Gonaives was flooded by Tropical Storm Jeanne in 2004

Tropical storm Hanna has struck Haiti's third largest city, Gonaives, causing extensive flooding and leaving at least ten people dead.

On Tuesday, Hanna brought winds of up to 70 miles an hour and heavy rainfall over nearby mountains.

Some areas are reported to be two metres under water, and the Mayor, Stephen Moise, described the situation as 'extremely urgent'.

Residents were reminded of Tropical Storm Jeanne, which hit the city four years ago, killing at least 3,000 people.

Hanna is the third storm in as many weeks to strike Haiti.

Only days ago, Hurricane Gustav struck the country, killing at least 77 people.

Hanna hits Bahamas, Turks and Caicos

Tropical Storm Hanna on Tuesday dumped torrential rains on the southeastern Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands, where emergency officials warned of high seas and possible flooding.

Forecasters said they expected the storm will eventually head toward the northwest and reach the central Bahamas by Wednesday.

Hanna has also caused widespread flooding in Cuba and Puerto Rico, where a university student reportedly drowned.

Meanwhile newly formed Tropical Storm Ike was cruising westward across the central Atlantic and was projected to near the Bahamas by Sunday.

Forecasters said it could become a hurricane on Wednesday.

Still further to the east, Josephine formed Tuesday and could near hurricane strength by Wednesday or Thursday.

Gustav damages Jamaica agriculture

Jamaica's agriculture industry was dealt a severe blow when Tropical Storm Gustav struck.

The storm devastated several sugar cane fields in eastern and southern Jamaica, likely causing a significant drop in revenues for the crop year that starts in December.

Alan Rickards, the chairman of the Cane Farmers Association, said the industry was likely to lose US $4.2 million in the next crop year.

Earlier, the agriculture Minister, Christopher Tufton said that the damage to the banana industry could be substantial, with leading farms losing up to 80 percent of the current crop.

Executions thwarted in St Kitts

The Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Douglas, says plans to hang four death row prisoners in August have been stayed because of legal appeals.

A government release issued Tuesday said Dr Douglas made the statement at a recent church-sponsored march against crime.

He told his audience that the government was determined to carry out court-ordered capital punishment.

Caribbean countries affiliated to the Privy Council believe that decisions of the London-based court have made it difficult to carry out the death penalty.

In particular they cite an order to execute killers within five years of their convictions or face a reduction in their sentences.

There are seven inmates on death row in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Integrity Commission sworn in

Dominica now has a functioning body to monitor the conduct of elected politicians and public officers.

The island's integrity commission was sworn in on Tuesday, with former Cabinet secretary Julian Johnson in the chair.

Mr Johnson said the commission will be independent, fair and impartial in carrying out its duties.

The establishment of the commission came after numerous calls from opposition and civic groups to implement the Integrity in Public Office Act, which was passed in parliament in 2003.

Addressing the swearing in, opposition leader Ron Green criticised the government for taking five years to do so.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said his opponents now have an avenue to put forward their allegations of corruption against his administration.