A Jersey City journalist is recovering after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run that ended in a violent multi-car crash and a string of charges against the driver, authorities said. According to police and witness accounts, the collision occurred in Jersey City when a vehicle struck a pedestrian and left the scene. The victim, a local journalist, was thrown to the ground and suffered injuries that required medical treatment. Instead of stopping, the driver, a resident in Bayonne New Jersey, Laura Castaneda, allegedly fled the area at a high rate of speed. Witnesses told investigators that the vehicle was seen traveling at what they believed to be more than 90 miles per hour along West Side Avenue, heading in the direction of Bayonne. Within seconds, the driver reportedly lost control and crashed into three parked vehicles, totaling all three as well as the vehicle they were driving. Emergency responders arrived on scene to find significant damage to the parked cars and debri...
Royal Caribbean International has announced the suspension of all cruise ship visits to Labadee, its exclusive beach resort on Haiti’s northern coast, due to escalating violence and political instability in the country. The cruise line cited safety concerns following a surge in gang-related violence, mass prison breaks, and the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March 2024.
Labadee, a 260-acre private enclave leased by Royal Caribbean since the 1980s, has been a staple in the company's Caribbean itineraries. The resort offers guests a variety of amenities, including pristine beaches, a zip line, and local cultural experiences, all within a secured area isolated from the rest of Haiti.
Despite its remote location, approximately 130 miles from the capital Port-au-Prince, the deteriorating national security situation has prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti. In response, Royal Caribbean has extended its suspension of Labadee visits through May 2024 and will continue to evaluate the situation every three days.
The company emphasized that the safety of its guests and crew remains its top priority. Passengers affected by the cancellations are being offered alternative ports of call or additional days at sea, and any pre-paid shore excursions for Labadee are being automatically refunded.
Royal Caribbean's decision underscores the broader challenges facing Haiti's tourism industry amid ongoing civil unrest. While Labadee has historically been insulated from the country's turmoil, the recent escalation in violence has made continued operations untenable for the time being.
As the situation in Haiti evolves, Royal Caribbean will continue to monitor developments and adjust its itineraries accordingly, keeping passengers informed of any changes.