Heads up, residents and visitors of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. The Guadeloupe Meteorological Center has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms. This bulletin is a call for increased awareness and caution as unstable weather conditions are expected to impact the region.

Overview of the Yellow Alert

Météo France has placed Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy under a Yellow Alert, which signifies a need to "Be Attentive." This is the first bulletin issued for this specific weather event, labeled as Episode n°17-IN.

The alert specifically warns of strong rains and thunderstorms. It was officially issued on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11:35 AM local time. The weather event is expected to begin around 12:00 PM today and may last until Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:00 AM.

A Yellow Alert is a signal to be vigilant, especially if you are involved in outdoor activities that could be affected by the weather. It is not a call to halt all activity, but rather to be mindful of the developing situation and potential risks.

Current Weather Situation

The source of this instability is the tail end of Tropical Wave N°30. This system is generating an unstable southeasterly flow across the islands, bringing with it increased moisture and a higher potential for significant weather events. At the time the bulletin was issued, the primary conditions were set for the development of heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon.

Forecast and Expected Impacts

The forecast points to a period of wet and unsettled weather. Here’s what you can expect:

Heavy Rainfall

The main concern is the potential for intense downpours. The meteorological center warns that rainfall accumulations could reach 30 to 50 mm (approximately 1.2 to 2 inches) in three hours or less. This rate of rainfall can quickly lead to localized flooding, particularly in low-lying or poorly drained areas.

Thunderstorms

Alongside the heavy rain, there is a risk of thunderstorms. These storms can bring not only downpours but also lightning and potentially gusty winds. The combination of these elements increases the danger associated with being outdoors.

Timeline of Events

• Tuesday Afternoon: The risk of moderate to strong, sometimes stormy, showers is highest.

• Tuesday Evening: A temporary improvement in conditions is expected.

• Tuesday Night: New showers are likely to develop overnight.

• Wednesday: The risk of showers will continue throughout the day.

The persistence of this weather pattern means that even during breaks in the rain, the ground will be saturated, increasing the risk of flash flooding if another heavy shower moves through.

Safety Recommendations from the Prefecture

When a Yellow Alert is in effect, it's vital to follow official safety advice. The prefecture has provided a list of recommended behaviors to minimize risk during this period of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

VIGILANCE JAUNE - FORTES PLUIES/ORAGES: SOYEZ ATTENTIFS! (Yellow Alert - Heavy Rains/Thunderstorms: Be Attentive!)

Here are the key precautions you should take:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts. Monitor information from Météo France and local authorities.

• Be Cautious with Outdoor Activities:

• • If you plan on practicing any high-risk outdoor sports, reconsider your plans.
  • Pay close attention if your outdoor activities are in an exposed area, whether on land or at sea.
• Avoid Flood-Prone Areas:
• • Be extremely careful if you need to travel through areas known to flood.
  • This includes crossing fords (gués), ravines, or low-lying passages at the bottom of hills (mornes). These areas can become impassable very quickly.

• Take Precautions During a Thunderstorm:

• Avoid using landline telephones and electrical appliances.

• Do not take shelter near pylons, posts, or under a solitary tree, as these can attract lightning.

Stay Safe and Informed

This Yellow Alert is a reminder that weather conditions can change rapidly. The primary message is one of heightened awareness. By staying informed through official channels and making sensible decisions, you can significantly reduce your risk of being affected by the heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Remember to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those who may need assistance. Secure loose objects around your property that could be affected by wind or heavy rain. Most importantly, do not take unnecessary risks. A cautious approach is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you until this weather system passes.

The Bottom, Saba:---  Mr. Stuart Johnson has been confirmed as a member of the Supervisory Board of Directors of Saba Bank Resources N.V.. In this capacity, Mr. Johnson serves as the representative of Saba, a role that has been approved by the Executive Council of Saba, the Executive Council of St. Eustatius, and the Councils of Ministers of Sint Maarten and Curaçao.

Saba Bank Resources N.V., established in 1976, plays a vital role in the Dutch Caribbean’s energy and resource management landscape. Its Supervisory Board comprises representatives from Saba, St. Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, working collaboratively to ensure the responsible stewardship of the
The region’s shared natural resources.

In reflecting on his appointment, Mr. Johnson expressed both gratitude and commitment, “It is an honor to serve as a member of the Supervisory Board of Directors of Saba Bank Resources N.V. and to represent Saba at this important time in our region’s development. This role provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among our islands and to ensure that our resources are managed with transparency, integrity, and sustainability.”

He continued, “As someone with close family ties and a deep personal connection to Saba, I am especially proud to represent the island. Saba holds a special place in my heart, and I see this appointment as a meaningful way to contribute to its continued growth and to the prosperity of the wider Dutch Caribbean.”

Johnson added, “Our region’s resources must be managed more wisely and transparently to ensure that they benefit the wider communities of Saba, Sint Maarten, St. Eustatius and the rest of the Dutch Caribbean.”

Mr. Johnson joins a distinguished group of professionals on the Supervisory Board dedicated to promoting sound governance, accountability, and sustainable development. The Board’s oversight ensures that Saba Bank Resources N.V. operates effectively, ethically, and in alignment with regional priorities and international best practices.

“This appointment is both a privilege and a responsibility,” Johnson added. “Together with my colleagues from Saba, St. Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, I look forward to advancing sustainable growth, fostering regional unity, and protecting our shared resources for future generations.”

To foster dialogue on disinformation and restore trust in the press, Red Arubiano di Prensa Profesional (RAPP) organized its second seminar, ‘Rebuilding Trust in Caribbean Media’, focusing on public engagement, fact-checking, and mitigating digital threats.

The Caribbean Journalism Seminar, held on Thursday, September 26, at Impact Hub Aruba, reflected today’s Caribbean reality, where disinformation spreads rapidly and undermines public confidence in the news. Through presentations and open dialogue, RAPP called on journalists to collaborate in strengthening transparency, ethics, and community connection.

Speakers included international and local experts:

• Rosario Marina (Chequeado, Argentina): Demonstrated how fact-checking is a vital tool to combat disinformation in the region and how to integrate verification into newsroom workflows.
• Vincent Smit (1Almere, Netherlands): Shared editorial innovations and community journalism approaches that foster genuine interaction with local audiences and help rebuild trust.
• Paul Eelens (Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, Aruba): Explained the link between disinformation and cybersecurity, and how digital threats can erode confidence in the exchange of information.

Journalists and attendees actively participated with questions and discussion, underscoring the importance of addressing the twin issues of trust and disinformation.

Special thanks to the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) for making this seminar possible.

What’s next in 2025

• Public Series: ‘Information Under Pressure’ – a series of public dialogues giving the community a voice on disinformation, on October 16, 23, and 28 at the University of Aruba.
• Digital Bootcamp for Journalists – an intensive workshop on digital content creation and the use of AI, October 20–26, 2025, at the JFK Education Center.

An open invitation goes out to Aruba’s journalism community: if you are not yet on our contact list, please email us to receive more information about RAPP and how to become a member: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

~Islands unite to promote multi-destination travel experiences for global visitors.~

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados:---  Dominica and Barbados have signed a landmark tourism partnership through an agreement to collaborate on promoting their tourism products and offering enhanced multi-destination packages.

The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on October 1 at the Hilton Barbados Resort during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC). The partnership between Dominica, the Nature Isle, and Barbados, the Gem of the Caribbean, marks a significant step toward deepening regional ties and delivering greater value to travellers.

The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) entered into the MOU to cement this step toward strengthening the appeal of both countries, promoting sustainable tourism, and developing new vacation experiences for travellers.

The MOU establishes a joint framework for cooperation, focusing on marketing, knowledge exchange, and enhancing visitor experiences across both destinations. This collaboration is especially timely as the Caribbean continues to attract travellers from Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Latin America seeking diverse and enriching experiences.

The agreement was signed by Marva Williams, CEO and Director of DDA, and Andrea Franklin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BTMI. Cheryl Carter, Chief Operations Officer of BTMI; Graham Clarke, BTMI’s Director for the Caribbean; and Lise Cuffy, Marketing Executive at DDA, witnessed the signing.

Franklin acknowledged Barbados’ reputation as a tourism leader but stressed that the MOU would be mutually beneficial, emphasizing the need for creative collaboration and regional unity.

“Dominica may see Barbados as a tourism ‘grandparent,’ but there’s so much we can learn from each other. Barbados is proud to be the premier home port cruising destination in the region, and we see this as an opportunity to attract more business to neighbouring islands as well,” Franklin said.

She added that the MOU serves as a stepping stone and could open doors to similar agreements with other islands.

“When it comes to attracting airlift to the region, it’s vital that we stop viewing ourselves as individual countries competing for flights. Instead, we must work together to bring more airlift into the Caribbean. If Barbados serves as the hub, we should channel that connectivity to our sister islands, like Dominica, ensuring all destinations benefit,” Franklin said.

“Our teams will meet to strategize on marketing and to engage airlines and cruise lines, ensuring we maximize the benefits of this partnership. We’re especially excited to collaborate in areas such as sports, eco-tourism, and sustainable tourism, all of which are essential to the future of Caribbean travel,” Franklin added.

Williams supported Franklin’s comments by underscoring the value in leveraging the already strong relationship between the nations. They intend to ensure it benefits both destinations financially.

“This collaboration is part of a larger conversation, and we look forward to learning from Barbados, which will help build greater awareness and create a ripple effect on the GDP and economic opportunities for both our countries,” Williams said.

“We all have unique attributes to offer, and this partnership isn’t just about tourism; it’s about exploring opportunities in other industries, such as manufacturing, that can benefit both nations. Improving air access is essential so that our people can move around the Caribbean efficiently and effectively,” Williams added.

Key areas of collaboration outlined in the agreement include:

• Curating and promoting multi-destination tourism packages that highlight the unique cultural, eco-tourism, adventure, and wellness offerings of Dominica and Barbados
• Supporting the development of air and cruise connections to facilitate seamless travel between islands
• Coordinating media exchanges, media familiarisation tours, joint training, and public relations events to raise the profile of both destinations globally
• Sharing expertise in sustainable tourism and product enhancement to ensure lasting benefits for local communities and the environment

Historically, Caribbean nations have recognised the value of working together to attract long-haul visitors, allowing travellers to experience the region’s diversity in a single trip.

Graham Clarke, BTMI’s Director for the Caribbean, said that the new MOU builds on this tradition.

“Today’s global travellers are seeking value-added experiences and deeper engagement with local communities. This collaboration with the Nature Isle adds a unique dimension to the Barbados tourism product, and we believe Dominica will benefit in the same way. We’re excited for what this partnership means, not just for our tourism sectors, but for visitors, who will enjoy richer, more meaningful experiences across both destinations,” Clarke said.

A joint working group will oversee the implementation of the MOU with biannual progress reviews and the development of a detailed action plan to ensure the partnership achieves its objectives. Both parties have agreed that each will bear its own implementation costs with joint initiatives subject to separate funding agreements as needed.