Category Archives: headline

headline

Baldwin movie set showed 'some complacency' with weapons

Investigators say there was "some complacency" in how weapons were handled on a movie set where Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza, but it's too soon to determine whether charges will be filed.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza on Wednesday (3am Thursday AEDT) noted 500 rounds of ammunition — a mix of blanks, dummy rounds and live rounds — were found while searching the set of the Western Rust.

"Obviously I think the industry has had a record recently of being safe. I think there was some complacency on this set, and I think there are some safety issues that need to be addressed by the industry and possibly by the state of New Mexico," he told a news conference nearly a week after the shooting happened during rehearsal, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

READ MORE: Rent prices skyrocket at fastest rate in 13 years

Halyna Hutchins and Alec Baldwin

Detectives have recovered a lead projectile they believe the actor fired last week.

Testing is being done to confirm whether the projectile taken from director Joel Souza's shoulder was fired from the same long Colt revolver used by Baldwin.

Two other guns seized include a single-action revolver that may have been modified and a plastic gun that was described as a revolver, officials said.

Investigators said they planned to follow up on reports of other incidents involving misfires with guns on the set.

District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said investigators could not say whether it was negligence or by whom at this point.

The shooting has baffled Hollywood professionals and prompted calls to better regulate firearms on sets or even ban them in the age of seamless computer-generated imagery.

Court records say that an assistant director grabbed the gun from a cart and indicated the weapon was safe by yelling "cold gun".

READ MORE: Cleo Smith's parents make new plea as cops check home for clues

Alec Baldwin

READ MORE: International travel opens up for fully vaccinated Australians

The film's armourer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, said she checked dummy bullets on the day of the shooting to ensure that none were "hot" rounds.

She also told a detective that while the guns used for filming were locked up during a crew lunch break, ammunition was left on a cart unsecured, according to a search warrant released Wednesday ahead of the press conference.

Gutierrez Reed told a detective no live ammo was ever kept on the set.

Assistant director David Halls, who handed the gun to Baldwin before the shooting, said Gutierrez Reed typically opened the hatch of the gun and spun the drum, though he couldn't recall if she did that before the shooting. He said he only remembered seeing three rounds in the gun, according to the warrant.

After the shooting, Halls took the gun to Gutierrez and said he saw five rounds in the gun, at least four of them were "dummy" rounds indicated by a hole on the side and a cap on the round. Halls said there was also a casing in the gun that did not have the cap and did not have the hole indicating it was a dummy, the warrant said.

"David advised the incident was not a deliberate act," according to the warrant, which was issued on Wednesday in order to search a truck that was used on the set.

READ MORE: International travel opens up for fully vaccinated Australians

Baldwin, 63, who is known for his roles in 30 Rock, The Departed and The Hunt for Red October, along with his impression of former President Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, has described the killing as a "tragic accident."

Carmack-Altwies told The Associated Press prior to the news conference that the investigation was still in its early stages — far from any decisions about whether or not to file criminal charges.

She said those involved in the production were cooperating with law enforcement and that prosecutors won't fully review evidence until the completion of an initial investigation by the sheriff's office.

The gun Baldwin used was one of three that the armorer had placed on a cart outside the building where a scene was being rehearsed, according to court records.

Souza, who was standing behind Hutchins, told investigators there should never be live rounds present near the scene.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, pictured here in 2019, was killed on the set of the movie "Rust"

Authorities have seized three black revolvers, gun belts with holsters, ammunition boxes, a bum bag with ammunition, several spent casings, articles of clothing and swabs of what was believed to be blood.

The production of Rust was beset by workplace disputes from the start in early October. Hours before the shooting, several camera crew members walked off the set amid discord over working conditions, including safety procedures.

Baldwin in his role as actor appeared unlikely to be held criminally or civilly liable for the tragedy. As a producer, however, he is among a long list of associates on the film who could face some sort of liability.

Concerns have been raised about Halls' safety record by colleagues on two previous productions. Halls has not returned phone calls and email messages seeking comment.

Rust Movie Productions, the production company, says it is cooperating with Santa Fe authorities in their investigation and conducting its own internal review of procedures with the production shut down.

headline

Unity Domino Club maintains top position in Constituency #7 Domino League

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, October 27, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — Standard of competitiveness improved in the ninth segment of play in the 26th edition of Constituency Number Seven Dr the Hon Timothy Harris Domino League played on Tuesday evening October 26, at the new Lodge-Ottley’s Community Centre, as there were no extreme results as was the case witnessed last Thursday.

Former champion team Unity Domino Club maintained its lead on the points standing table giving a clear indication, unless something drastic happens in the remaining four segments of play of the one-round only encounter featuring fourteen teams, that it intends to regain the crown.

Unity beat Mansion Domino Club 13-8 on Tuesday evening, while the other former champion team in Constituency Number Seven Domino League, Lodge Domino Club, beat Molineux Domino Club13-7.

The game between yet another former champion team, Parsons Domino Club, and Unstoppable Domino Club had some drama as Parsons had at one time led comfortably 7-3, but Unstoppable forcefully came back and tied the game at 7-7.

Antonio ‘Mash’ Phillip of former champion team Unity Domino Club in action as his team beat Mansion Domino Club 13-8.

 

Not wanting to lose any more games and to keep their hopes alive, Parsons put pressure on Unstoppable winning five more games as their opponents added only two games and ended up leading 12-9. Needing only one game to win, the pair of Aston Williams and Melvin Gumbs returned 100 points without loss to earn a bonus game that gave them the 14-9 win.

Christ Church Domino Club, who beat Guinness Domino Club 14-9, also ended their game in a dramatic fashion as when they were leading 12-9 needing only one game to win, Steve Flemming and Curtis Williams raced to 100 points before their opponents could earn a single point, a feat that earned them a bonus game.

In other games, Phillips Domino Club beat Sylvers Domino Club 13-8, and Small Corner Bar Domino Club beat Ottley’s Domino Club 13-9. The game between defending champion team Tabernacle Domino Club and Saddlers Domino Club ended in dispute and it has been reported that the Tabernacle team captain wishes to refer the situation to the Disciplinary Committee.

In a rescheduled game that was played on Sunday October 24, at the new Lodge-Ottley’s Community Centre, Molineux Domino Club edged out Ottley’s Domino Club 13-12.

At the end of the ninth segment of play in the 26th edition of Constituency Number Seven Dr the Hon Timothy Harris Domino League, former champion team Unity is still firmly at the top on the points standing table with 47 points. It is followed by Parsons 36 Points, Lodge 33 points, Christ Church 32 points, and Phillips 30 points.

Others, in order, are Molineux 26 points, Mansion 25 points, Saddlers 25 points, Sylvers 24 points, Guinness 21 points, defending champion team Tabernacle 20 points, Small Corner Bar 18 points, Unstoppable 16 points, and Ottley’s 12 points.

Constituency Number Seven Dr the Hon Timothy Harris Domino League, which is the longest running such league in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, is sponsored by Prime Minister and Area Parliamentary Representative for St. Christopher Seven, Dr the Hon Timothy Harris.

Tenth segment of play in this only round of play in the 26th edition of the league plays off on Thursday October 28 at the new Lodge-Ottley’s Community Centre. Current points standing leader and former champion team, Unity, will meet another former champion team, Lodge, in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

The two teams from Constituency Number Six, former champion team Parsons and Saddlers will square it off, while an interesting scenario will come into play when brothers Norris Sharry for Small Corner Bar, and Cuthbert Sharry for Molineux will come up against each other. The other games are defending champion team Tabernacle vs. Christ Church, Unstoppable vs. Sylvers, Guinness vs. Mansion, and Phillips vs. Ottley’s.

The post Unity Domino Club maintains top position in Constituency #7 Domino League appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

Saharan Dust, Volcanic Ash Impacts Caribbean Air Quality

Air quality levels across the Eastern and Southern Caribbean will be moderate over the next few days as the region is inundated by a plume of Saharan Dust and emissions from the volcano in La Palma, Canary Islands.

A forecast from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service said particulate matter for Saharan Dust is between 2.5 and 10 in some instances.

The alert for Antigua and Barbuda and its neighbours stands at Level Two.

An excessive heat warning is also in effect for Antigua and Barbuda as temperatures are expected to be in the high 30s with the possibility for a maximum of 41 degrees Celsius.

Persons with medical complications such as asthma and heart issues are advised to pay close attention to their health as their ailments could become severe.

They should therefore reduce the time spent outside and have their medication nearby at all times.

Loop

The post Saharan Dust, Volcanic Ash Impacts Caribbean Air Quality appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

Sydney's median house price nears $1.5 million

Sydney's median house price is now just an auction paddle away from a record-breaking $1.5 million as the nation's property market continues to boom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Domain's September Quarter 2021 House Price Report has revealed that in the last twelve months, Sydney's house prices rose by an average of $6700 a week, or $957 a day.

More than $349,000 was added to the Harbour City's median price, which saw the fastest annual growth ever recorded at a wallet-squeezing 30.4 per cent.

READ MORE: Rent prices skyrocket at fastest rate in 13 years

Domain's Chief of Research and Economics, Dr Nicola Powell, told 9News.com.au that COVID-19 induced restrictions had prompted many Australians to think about the lifestyle their property provides.

"We have seen phenomenal levels of demand in the market, and we're seeing total stock for sale hit multi-year lows. I think what the pandemic has done is really put our homes into focus – we've spent more time in them, they've become our everything in and out of lockdown," Dr Powell said.

"Homeowners are putting spare cash normally spent on travel into their home. That's partly why we've seen this high level of demand for property over the past year as people fast track their decisions."

READ MORE: Cleo Smith's parents make new plea as cops check home for clues

Nationally, Australia's median house price has risen 21.9 per cent over the last twelve months to hit a new high of $994,579, marking the fastest annual growth on record.

Despite the doom and gloom headlines for first home buyers – or heaven-sent conditions for downsizers – Dr Powell said there are signs that the property market is cooling.

"I think we're past the peak rate of growth, but in terms of price, the price point of houses will continue to rise higher," Dr Powell said.

"We're seeing the property market begin to cool down with soaring house prices in the last year adding to ongoing affordability pressures affecting buyers' participation in the market.

"As COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions come to an end and the sustained high prices appeal to vendors, sellers are beginning to re-engage with the market, increasing supply which in turn offer greater choices for buyers"

READ MORE: International travel opens up for fully vaccinated Australians

It wasn't just Sydney that saw house prices skyrocket due to a myriad of factors including high demand, low stock, historically low interest rates and drastically lower discretionary spending during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Melbourne's median house price rose to $1.038 million despite being in lockdown for most of last quarter. Canberra is now the second most expensive capital city to purchase a home and Hobart's house prices have almost doubled over the past five years.

The only capital city to experience negative house price growth in the past three months was Perth, which saw a 0.6 per cent decline to a median of $598,601.

"New listings will need to continue to be strong to appease rising prices," Dr Powell said.

"The number of Aussies relocating to Perth has reached its highest point in eight years – while there remains a positive inward flow into Perth, it looks to be easing but is being replaced with higher investment activity."

READ MORE: Where bank of mum and dad buyers are snapping up first homes

As house prices jackpot, so too do concerns that property in Australia is becoming unaffordable for those on normal wages and who do not have existing equity.

"The sheer affordability of keeping up with rapid house price gains is proving a barrier for many buyers, especially first home buyers facing spiralling deposit goals and poor interest accrued on savings," Dr Powell said.

"Upsizing is also becoming a financial leap despite the benefit of strong equity growth, and particularly challenging if sold prior to purchasing."

Australia's Median House Price Change by Capital City*

Capital City:

Annual change in price:

Median Price:

Sydney

+ 30.4 per cent

$1,499,126

Melbourne

+ 16.8 per cent

$1,037,923

Brisbane

+ 15.3 per cent

$702,455

Adelaide

+ 20.1 per cent

$667,888

Canberra

+ 32.4 per cent

$1,074,187

Perth

+ 9.8 per cent

$598,601

Hobart

+ 31.9 per cent

$698,212

Darwin

+ 33.2 per cent

$640,068

Combined Capitals

+ 21.9 per cent

$994,579

* Domain's September Quarter 2021 House Price Report

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

headline

Floods, Landsldes Predicted for Caribbean Region Through January

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) — The Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) yesterday warned Caribbean countries to be prepared for high flooding and landslides until January next year.

In its latest Caribbean Climate Outlooks publication released here, CariCOF said that for the three-month period November 2021 to January 2022, La Niña conditions are in place.

La Niña is defined as cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that impact global weather patterns.

“This means particularly high flooding, flash flood, landslide, rock fall and soil erosion potential across Belize and the Caribbean islands until December and, from late November, in the coastal Guianas,” CariCOF said.

It shared that with the transition into the dry season in Belize and the islands, frequent short dry spells are expected from Hispaniola westward, potentially impacting unprotected crop farming — especially in the case of pre-existing drought.

“On a positive note, with the 2021 heat season ending in October, heat stress should quickly subside,” it noted.

CariCOF also reported that as of October 1 “severe or worse” shorter-term drought has developed in the north-western and south-eastern portions of The Bahamas, northern Belize, westernmost Cuba, easternmost Guadeloupe, north-west Martinique and St Barth’s.

The post Floods, Landsldes Predicted for Caribbean Region Through January appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

Haiti Senate Leader Echoes Gang Chief’s Call for PM Henry to Resign

Port-au-Prince, Haiti (CNN) Haiti’s Senate leader Joseph Lambert has joined calls for embattled Prime Minister Ariel Henry to resign.

“Ariel Henry must resign because he has lost the trust of the country and he has failed to give results,” Lambert said on Tuesday in an exclusive interview with CNN at the senator’s home in Port-au-Prince. “We need to reestablish the state’s authority and restore security.”

Lambert said he believes a new transition government should be installed until elections can be held next — with himself as the interim president.

“This government doesn’t represent what we need now, we need a large consensus with all sectors. No one will be able to govern Haiti without a larger consensus. That’s what we have been saying and this is where I stand,” he told CNN.

The Prime Minister’s office has responded, saying Henry will not resign.

“Our doors remain open to anyone who wants to join us so we can have free, fair and credible elections. Our government wants to unite, not politicize,” the office said in a statement to CNN.

Henry has been in office since a power-sharing deal was brokered in the weeks after President Jovenel Moise was assassinated on July 7.

Moise appointed Henry as Prime Minister, but he had not yet been sworn in at the time of the president’s death. Weeks of political stalemate ensued over who would become de facto leader of the Caribbean nation, with Lambert considered among the contenders. A US-backed agreement ultimately saw Henry become Prime Minster and then-acting Prime Minster Claude Joseph become Foreign Minister.

Since then, Henry has faced a series of crises, including Haiti’s worst earthquake since 2010, the expulsion of thousands of Haitian migrants from the United States and a rise in gang-related kidnappings — among them the abduction of 17 missionaries from the US and Canada more than a week ago.

Perhaps most impactful, however, has been a crushing fuel shortage that has crippled the country. Gangs, including a notorious group called G9, have all but cut off access to key fuel depots on the country’s coast, preventing delivery of fuel around the country and paralyzing capital city Port-au-Prince.

Gang leaders have called on Henry to resign, saying they will end the fuel blockades once he steps down.

Sen. Lambert himself has long had political aspirations for Haiti’s top job. Though he is not the first to call for Prime Minister Henry to step down, his critics accuse the longtime Haitian politician of seeking now to take advantage of the country’s many crises for political gain.

Lambert has also struggled to tamp down widespread rumors that he is working with gangs to delay the flow of fuel, though zero evidence of that has been presented publicly. Haitian politicians have in the past often had relationships with the country’s gangs, using them as political tools to get out or suppress the vote.

“It’s totally false, they are just accusing opponents to hide their own incompetence,” said Lambert in response. “If they have proof there is a politician that is behind the violence they should arrest them and bring them to justice.”

After Moise’s assassination, Lambert led a failed attempt to install himself as interim president. Haiti’s senate voted to place him in the position, but the body did not have a quorum, leading to questions about whether it could even make the decision. Haiti has not held parliamentary elections since 2015, and only 10 senators are still seated. Less than 24 hours after the senate vote, Lambert pulled back and said his swearing-in had been postponed.

Lambert’s Senate term expires in January.

Journalist Etant Dupain contributed reporting.

The post Haiti Senate Leader Echoes Gang Chief’s Call for PM Henry to Resign appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

WORLD VIEW: Reality Bites US Congress Liberals, Oil Still King in Gulf, Sudan Coup Arrests, More

Oct 27, 2021

The Associated Press

The Rundown

I'm an image

WASHINGTON (AP) — Many progressives have started lining up behind an emerging social and environment bill that’s neither as big or bold as they wanted, thanks to an outnumbered but potent band of party moderates who’ve enjoyed a disproportionate say…Read More

I'm an image

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Investigators plan to discuss their initial findings Wednesday in the fatal movie-set shooting in which Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun, killing a cinematographer and wounding the director….Read More

I'm an image

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — The global energy transition is perhaps nowhere more perplexing than in the Arabian Peninsula, where Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies are caught between two daunting climate change scenarios that threaten their livel…Read More

I'm an image

CAIRO (AP) — Sudanese security forces detained three prominent pro-democracy figures, family members and activists said Wednesday, as international pressure mounted on the country’s military to walk back the coup it staged earlier this week. …Read More

I'm an image

SAO PAULO (AP) — A Brazilian Senate committee is recommending that President Jair Bolsonaro face a series of criminal indictments for actions and omissions related to the world’s second highest COVID-19 death toll. …Read More

OTHER TOP STORIES

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Among the once-taboo professions emerging from Somalia’s decades of conflict and Islamic extremism is the world of arts, and a 21-year-old …Read More

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. moved a step closer to expanding COVID-19 vaccinations for millions more children as government advisers on Tuesday endorsed kid-size dose…Read More

CAIRO (AP) — The general leading Sudan’s coup has vowed to usher the country to an elected government. But Abdel-Fattah Burhan has powerful allies, including Gulf na…Read More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — SpaceX is taming some toilet troubles in its Dragon capsules before launching four more astronauts. The company and NASA want to make sur…Read More

The post WORLD VIEW: Reality Bites US Congress Liberals, Oil Still King in Gulf, Sudan Coup Arrests, More appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

Economy: Ecuador Demonstrators Block Roads, Dozens Arrested

ECONBy

QUITO, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Thousands of demonstrators protested against the economic policies of conservative Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso on Tuesday, days after he raised gasoline prices, blocking roads in some parts of the country.

Lasso, an ex-banker who took office in May, last week scrapped planned incremental rises in gasoline charges, meant to eventually align with international costs, following pressure by indigenous and other organizations.

He opted instead to raise the price of gasoline extra, a higher octane gasoline that is Ecuador’s most-used fuel, to a fixed $2.55 a gallon and diesel to $1.90 a gallon.

But unions and other groups want Lasso to freeze prices at lower rates and exempt sectors hit hard by COVID-19.

Five police officers were injured and two members of the armed forces were being held by a community in northern Quito, but were unharmed, Defense Minister Luis Hernandez told journalists.

Thirty-seven people were detained for blocking roads, he added.

The Ecuador Confederation of Indigenous Nations said demonstrators had been injured but did not give a figure.

People march during a protest against the economic policies of conservative Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso, days after he raised gasoline prices, in Guayaquil, Ecuador October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Vicente Gaibor del Pino
People protest against the economic policies of conservative Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso, days after he raised gasoline prices, in Guayaquil, Ecuador October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Vicente Gaibor del Pino
A man participates in a protest against the economic policies of conservative Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso, days after Lasso raised gasoline prices, in Guayaquil, Ecuador October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Vicente Gaibor del Pino

People protest against the economic policies of conservative Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso, days after he raised gasoline prices, in Guayaquil, Ecuador October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Vicente Gaibor del Pino

Interior Minister Alexandra Vela said marches were peaceful except for a few incidents in the afternoon and said the government was open to dialogue.

Gasoline costs have risen significantly since Lasso’s predecessor, Lenin Moreno, began monthly increases in May 2020.

“We don’t agree that the measures implemented because of the crisis should fall on workers and the middle class,” said university professor Victor Sanchez, 55, as he marched in central Quito with about 1,000 others.

Police used tear gas in the capital amid small clashes with protesters, while officers on horseback blocked the entrance to the plaza that had been the marchers’ destination.

Marches also took place in Guayaquil and Cuenca.

Indigenous groups blocked the road that connects Quito to the country’s north with earth and trees, and others in various Andean provinces were closed.

Indigenous organization CONFENIAE said some roadways in the Amazon region had been shuttered from the early morning.

“We didn’t come to destabilize, we came to make economic demands of the government,” CONAIE president Leonidas Iza told demonstrators in Panzaleo.

Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; additional reporting by Tito Correa Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb Editing by Rosalba O’Brien, Marguerita Choy and Leslie Adler

The post Economy: Ecuador Demonstrators Block Roads, Dozens Arrested appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

Haiti: Amidst Gasoline Shoratges, Gang Leader Demands Prime Minister Resign

By and

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Haiti’s streets were unusually quiet on Tuesday and gasoline stations remained dry as gangs blocked the entrance to ports that hold fuel stores and the country’s main gang boss demanded that Prime Minister Ariel Henry resign.

Days-long fuel shortages have left Haitians with few transportation options and forced the closure of some businesses. Hospitals, which rely on diesel generators to ensure electricity due to constant blackouts, may shut down as well.

The situation has put further pressure on a population already struggling under a weakening economy and a wave of gang kidnappings, which include the abduction earlier this month of a group of Canadian and American missionaries.

Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, leader of the “G9” coalition of gangs in the metropolitan area of the capital, Port-au-Prince, said in a radio interview on Monday night that he would ensure safe passage of fuel trucks if Henry leaves office.

“The areas under the control of the G9 are blocked for one reason only – we demand the resignation of Ariel Henry,” Cherizier said in an interview on Haiti’s Radio Mega.

“If Ariel Henry resigns at 8 a.m., at 8:05 a.m. we will unblock the road and all the trucks will be able to go through to get fuel.”

A spokesperson for Henry’s office did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters was unable to contact Cherizier.

His statements show how gangs have taken on an increasingly political role following the July assassination of President Jovenel Moise. Cherizier has said Henry should “answer questions” linking him to Moise’s murder. Henry has denied any involvement.

Elections had originally been scheduled for November but were suspended after Henry last month dismissed the council that organizes elections, which critics had accused of being biased in favor of Moise. Henry has promised to appoint a non-partisan council that will set a new date.

Kidnappings have been in the headlines for months as Haitians from all walks of life face abduction by the increasingly powerful gangs.

The missionaries traveling as part of a trip organized by Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries were abducted by a gang called 400 Mawozo that operates east of the capital and is seeking a ransom of $1 million for each person.

Christian Aid Ministries asked people in a statement on Tuesday to remember both those “being held hostage as well as those recovering from the experience of being kidnapped.”

Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, leader of the 'G9' coalition of gangs in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, looks on after speaking to members of the media, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol
Jimmy “Barbecue” Cherizier, leader of the ‘G9’ coalition of gangs in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince, looks on after speaking to
A sign with an image of assassinated President Jovenel Moise is seen as members of the Haitian National Police clear a street blockade set up in protest of insecurity and fuel shortages, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti October 25, 2021. REUTERS/Ralph Tedy Erol

The State Department said last week the U.S. government had dispatched a “small team” to assist in efforts to locate and free the missionaries.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday the United States had deployed “a significant number of law enforcement specialists and hostage recovery specialists” to Haiti.

‘THE WORST I’VE SEEN’

Haiti’s foreign aid bureau, BMPAD, which oversees fuel procurement, tweeted a video saying the country had 150,000 barrels of diesel and 50,000 barrels of gasoline, with another 50,000 barrels of gasoline set to arrive on Wednesday.

A total of 100,000 barrels of diesel and gasoline would supply Haiti’s fuel needs for five to seven says, said Marc Andre Deriphonse, head of the country’s service-station owners’ association, ANAPROSS.

Businesses have been warning that they may have to halt operations for lack of fuel. Telecoms firms said some cell towers are no longer in operation.

“This is the worst I’ve seen,” said one motorcycle taxi driver waiting to pick up passengers outside Port-au-Prince, when asked about the fuel shortages. He declined to give his name.

Motorcycle drivers strap one-gallon containers to their bikes in the hopes of filling them with fuel sold on the black market. A gallon of gasoline on the street can now fetch $20, compared with typical filling-station prices of around $2.

Transportation industry leaders have called for strikes to protest the wave of kidnappings, which have disproportionately affected truck drivers and public transport workers.

United Nations children’s agency UNICEF saidon Sunday it had negotiated fuel deliveries to Haitian hospitals but that the provider later refused to make the deliveries, citing security conditions.

At one police station near Port-au-Prince, two officers had been unable to get to work due to fuel shortages, according to a police official, who asked not to be named because he is not authorized to speak with reporters.

“Most of our vehicles have about a quarter of a tank,” he said.

Reporting by Brian Ellsworth and Gessika Thomas in Port-au-Prince; Additional reporting by Brad Brooks; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien and Peter Cooney

The post Haiti: Amidst Gasoline Shoratges, Gang Leader Demands Prime Minister Resign appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

headline

Russian Navy Rescues Panamanian Ship from Attack by African Pirates

BBC- Russia’s navy has foiled an attempt by pirates to hijack a Panama-registered container ship off West Africa, the Russian defence ministry has said

The MSC Lucia was en route to Cameroon from Togo when it sent out a distress call on Monday that was picked up the Russian destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov.

A unit of Russian marines were dispatched by helicopter to the Lucia’s aid, the defence ministry statement said.

The pirates immediately fled, allowing the marines to free the ship’s crew.

Pirates fleeing the scene of attempted hijacking

Photos of the mission were posted by the defence ministry on Facebook:

The Russian destroyer was patrolling the Gulf of Guinea as part of international efforts to improve security there.

The waters off West Africa’s oil-rich coastline have been some of the most dangerous in the world for shipping in recent years.

The post Russian Navy Rescues Panamanian Ship from Attack by African Pirates appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.