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The Commander of the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, is to visit Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada from Tuesday, where he will meet with leaders in both countries, the US Embassy here has announced.

It said that Holsey will hold talks with Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his Grenadian counterpart, Dickon Mitchell and that his visit is his first to both countries since assuming command of SOUTHCOM last November ‘and is an opportunity to further strengthen security cooperation with key partners in the Caribbean’.

The US embassy said that in addition to meetings with both prime ministers, Holsey’s agenda includes meetings with Antigua and Barbuda Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin and Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) Acting Commissioner Randy Connaught. ‘The meetings will center on reaffirming the longstanding security collaboration with both nations and shared challenges that affect the Eastern Caribbean, including transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, and border security.’

It said that both countries are vital contributors to the collective efforts of like-minded countries to strengthen security in the Eastern Caribbean.

‘U.S. Southern Command remains committed to continuing its longstanding cooperation with both nations. Admiral Holsey’s visit underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to partnering with Eastern Caribbean partners like Grenada and Antigua and Barbuda to advance regional security and stability,’ the statement said.

The visit comes amidst disquiet in Grenada, where it has been revealed that the United States has written to the govvernment seeking permission to install radar equipment and associated technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA) here.

‘The Ministries of National Security, Legal Affairs and Foreign Affairs are carefully assessing the request and reviewing the request in technical consultations, in coordination with the Grenada airports Authority and other relevant agencies,’ the Dickon Mitchell government said, adding that it is carefully reviewing the request in accordance with established national procedures.

‘Any decisions will be made only after all technical and legal assessments are completed. We wish to assure our citizens that any decision taken will be guided by Grenada’s sovereignty, public safety, and national interest, including the protection of our tourism industry, the traveling public, and the country’s economic well-being,’ the government said, adding it continue to keep the public informed as developments unfold..

But former Senate president and trade unionist, Chester Humphrey and former foreign affairs minister, peter David, have publicly come out against such a request, with Humphrey saying he is prepaed to lead a peaceful protest march.

Humphrey said that the move by Washington is a precursor to launching a military strike against the Nicolás Maduro government in the Venezuela.

David, an independent legislator, said in a statement that while Grenada values its longstanding partnerships with both the United States and Venezuela, any actions taken must be rooted in diplomacy, mutual respect, and regional cooperation.

‘Any genuine efforts to fight the drug trade in our region are both desired and welcomed. But unilateral action, especially one perceived by other countries as laced with hostile intentions, will be both counterproductive and destabilizing.’

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Monday, October 13, 2025.

PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago government to unveil national budget following the April 28 general election.

WASHINGTON – The United States has warned countries, including those in the Caribbean that vote later this month in support of measures being pushed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on whether or not to support a Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF) aimed at reducing reducing emissions in the maritime sector.

WASHINGTON -The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says risks to Haiti’s outlook remain tilted to the downside and that intensified gang-related disruptions, and escalating violence or social unrest could further exacerbate social and economic vulnerabilities.

HAMILTON – Bermuda has paid more than US$3.7 million in membership fees to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) since 2002, The Royal Gazette newspaper reported on Monday.

PORT OF SPAIN – The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago says as a mature energy producer, Trinidad and Tobago cannot afford to believe that investors have no other options, as it reported that over the last 20 years, the revenue received from the energy sector has seen significant annual fluctuations.

SPORT:

DELHI – Despite fighting centuries by John Campbell and Shai Hope, India are on the brink of a series winning victory over the West Indies at the end of day four in the second Test match here on Monday.w

Bermuda has paid more than US$3.7 million in membership fees to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) since 2002, The Royal Gazette newspaper reported on Monday.

It said that the information was released by the Accountant-General’s Department, which shared a list of more than 100 payments to the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat in response to a public access to information request from the newspaper.

According to The Royal Gazette, the sums, paid between March 2002 and July this year, totalled US$3,734,070, while related records show the island’s financial obligation to the intergovernmental organisation stood at US$67,823 a quarter, or US$271,292 a year, in 2024.

That was a 40 per cent increase on the 2023 fees, which were US$48,313 a quarter, or US$193,252 a year.

The 2024 annual fee of US$271,292 represents a 177 per cent increase on the US$98,000 payable when Bermuda became an associate member of ARICOM more than two decades ago, after having briefly held non-fee-paying observer status.

Bermuda is now pursuing full membership of the 15-member regional integration grouping and Premier David Burt, who is also the Finance Minister, has said he does not know how much it will cost.

The US$271,292-a-year figure does not include travel expenses for ministers and civil servants attending CARICOM events.

Meanwhile, the newspaper is reporting that after almost two years since it announced plans to become a full member of CARICOM

It said that the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is tasked with implementing the plan, said in a statement last week that it was ‘working towards finalising its CARICOM discussion document’ ahead of ‘formal awareness efforts’ beginning next month.

Bermuda, along with four other British Overseas Territories, the Dutch island of Curaçao and the French island of Martinique, is an associate member of the Caribbean Community.

According to the Home Affairs statement, the discussion document will include the ‘anticipated benefits’ of changing from associate to ‘full membership, as well as costs’.

The statement note the ‘importance of this national discussion and is committed to ensuring the public has a voice’, even as it acknowledged that ‘this is a sensitive time, and, in the interim, we urge media outlets to exercise care in their reporting’.

‘We also encourage the media and public to await the ministry’s official communications, which will provide the necessary context and clarity.’

The Trinidad and Tobago government Monday said it expects stabilisation and positive growth in 2026, as it rolls its development plans and initiate the rebuilding of the country.

‘Trinidad and Tobago’s economic prosperity, energy security and regional stability have also been given a significant boost with the recent United States support for the Dragon Gas proposal,’ Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, said as he delivered a TT$59.2 billion (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) budget to Parliament.

Tancoo told legislators that the government as part of its medium term economic outlook, will also be exploring all avenues to advance this project.

He said after years of underperformance, natural gas production is projected to recover from the current levels of approximately 2.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) to over 3.2 bcf/d by 2027.

‘As new fields come online, the development of the Manatee field alone, with estimated reserves of more than two trillion cubic feet of gas, will be groundbreaking for our economy.

‘On the other hand, oil production, which has averaged just 60,000 barrels per day in recent years, is alsoexpected to benefit from enhanced exploration and development initiatives.

Diversification remains at the heart of our strategy,’ Tancoo said.

He said that the coalition government is already focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and the service industry, amongst others.

‘Increasing investments and facilitating growth in agriculture and agro-processing will not only support the diversification thrust but also strengthen our agricultural base for food security and reduce our food import bill.

‘We will also focus on expanding manufacturing exports, boosting medical, sport, health, educational, and cultural tourism, and accelerating digital transformation, among other,’ he said, adding hat ‘these are expected to generate employment, increase foreign exchange currency inflows, and create opportunities for young people and small businesses’.

Tancoo said that the issue of foreign exchange shortages remains a challenge for businesses, limiting access to raw materials and production and that the ‘unfair practices at major commercial banks and the Exim Bank have exacerbated these shortages.

‘This administration will act decisively to stabilise the external position. By restoring energy production and creating an enabling environment for business and investment, we will increase foreign currency inflow,’ he said, promising ‘we will ensure that productive sectors have access to foreign exchange’.

Tancoo said that by accelerating energy production, broadening and deepening diversification, consolidating the fiscal accounts, and taking proactive steps to stabilize the external sector, the government will protect Trinidad and Tobago’s investment-grade standing and deliver sustainable growth.

‘Above all, our medium-term plan is about restoring confidence, protecting livelihoods, and creating diverse opportunities for every citizen,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Tancoo said that the government will implement new policies aimed at preventing the collapse of the National Insurance System (NIS) and in the process safeguard the dignity of retirees while providing income security for workers and their families.

He said currently the annual benefit expenditure is well over six billion TT dollars, an increase of more than 65 per cent over the last two decades, but that after a’ decade of neglect, this system is in crisis today.

‘To do nothing would be irresponsible. Since 2020, benefit pay-outs have consistently exceeded contributions, forcing the NIB to liquidate its assets to meet obligations. The 11th Actuarial Review projects that, if nothing is done, the Fund will be depleted by 2033 to 2034.

‘We will not allow the Fund to collapse, jeopardizing the very benefits that over 200,000 of our most vulnerable citizens depend on

He said additionally, beginning in January 2028, the age at which a person can receive a full NIS retirement pension will gradually increase over a 10-year period.

‘There will be no change for anyone who retires at age 60 before January 1, 2028. These retirees will continue to qualify for a full NIS pension (with a minimum of $3,000) at age 60.

Furthermore, existing pensioners will not be affected by this change.

‘Starting in January 2028, the age for a full NIS pension will increase by one year every two years until it reaches age 65 in 2036. This means that to access the full minimum pension of $3,000:’

Tancoo said that from January 1, 2028, to December 31, 2029, a retiree must be 61 years of age; from January 1, 2030, to December 31, 2031, a retiree must be 62 years of age; from January 1, 2032, to December 31, 2033, a retiree must be 63 years of age, from January 1, 2034, to December 31, 2035, a retiree must be 64 years of age; and from January 1, 2036 onward, a retiree must be 65 years of age.

He said for clarification, these adjustments mean that the retirement age for a full NIS pension will move from 60 to 65 over the next decade, but that persons who retire early will still receive a pension, but at a reduced rate.

‘These reforms are not easy, but they are now urgently required given the years of inaction that allowed these challenges to deepen under the last administration. These measures are projected to extend the life of the NIS Fund, securing pensions for today’s workers and tomorrow’s retirees.’

The United States has warned countries, including those in the Caribbean that vote later this month in support of measures being pushed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on whether or not to support a Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF) aimed at reducing reducing emissions in the maritime sector.

‘The United States will be moving to levy these remedies against nations that sponsor this European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations. We will fight hard to protect our economic interests by imposing costs on countries if they support the NZF. Our fellow IMO members should be on notice,’ according to a joint statement issued by the Secretary of State Rubio, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy.

The measure, which as approved in April 2025, is set for adoption in October 2025, during the Marine Environmental Protection Committee that is meeting that takes place until October 17.

IMO officials say 108 members are eligible to vote, including 10 from CARICOM and if adopted, it will come into effect in 2028.

But Washington has said that President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States will not accept any international environmental agreement that unduly or unfairly burdens the United States or harms the interests of the American people.

It said that this week’s vote on the adoption ‘will be the first time that a UN organization levies a global carbon tax on the world.

‘The Administration unequivocally rejects this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies and their customers, or tourists.

‘The economic impacts from this measure could be disastrous, with some estimates forecasting global shipping costs increasing as much as 10 per cent or more. We ask you to join us in rejecting adoption of the NZF at the October meeting and to work together on our collective economic and energy security,’ the joint statement said.

The NZF seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping to align with the 2050 net-zero target. Key components include a Global Fuel Standard (GFS) setting annual GHG intensity reduction targets, a two-tier carbon price mechanism, and a credit trading system funded by penalties to reward zero and near-zero emission fuels and support a just transition.

The NZF presents a new regulatory era in which ships will be required to gradually adopt fuels that are typically three to four times more expensive compared with conventional fossil fuels. Given the long lifespan of ships, shipowners should prepare now for the new net-zero GHG emission regulations to ensure cost-effective compliance, both at the ship and the fleet level.

The Framework will apply to all oceangoing ships over 5,000 gross tonnage (GT). These ships are responsible for over 85 per cent of global shipping emissions and are already covered by reporting requirements for fuel data collection. Ships under 5,000 GT are currently not covered.

Washington said that the NZF proposal poses significant risks to the global economy and subjects not just Americans, but all IMO member states ‘to an unsanctioned global tax regime that levies punitive and regressive financial penalties, which could be avoided.’

The United States says it is considering several actions against countries that support ‘this global carbon tax on American consumers’.

Among the measures being contemplated are pursuing investigations and considering potential regulations to combat anti-competitive practices from certain flagged countries and potential blocking vessels registered in those countries from U.S. ports; imposing visa restrictions including an increase in fees and processing, mandatory re-interview requirements and/or revisions of quotas for C-1/D maritime crew member visas.

In addition, Washington said it will impose commercial penalties stemming from US government contracts including new commercial ships, liquified natural gas terminals and infrastructure, and/or other financial penalties on ships flagged under nations in favor of the NZF;

It will also be imposing additional port fees on ships owned, operated, or flagged by countries supporting the framework as well as evaluating sanctions on officials sponsoring activist-driven climate policies that would burden American consumers, among other measures under consideration.

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo Monday said that the state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) had spent more than TT$60 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) on audits, but had failed to submit ‘a single audited financial statement to the Ministry of Finance in over nine years’.

Tancoo, delivering the first budget of the Kamla Persad Bissessar coalition administration, told legislators that the money had been paid to Ernst and Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

‘Shockingly, even in the absence of these audited accounts, the former Minister of Finance repeatedly approved financing for CAL in 2017, 2018, 2019 and as recently as March 2025 to cover operational shortfalls.’

Tancoo accused the former finance minister Colm Imbert of closing ‘his eyes as CAL descended into inefficiency, non-compliance and fiscal indiscipline, leaving behind not a national airline but a national liability.

‘Worse yet, he actively fueled this reckless behaviour by repeatedly approving billions in financing without demanding accountability,’ Tancoo said, adding that in so doing, the forme government minister ‘facilitated mismanagement, normalized waste and corruption and abandoned his responsibility of fiduciary oversight.

‘This is nothing short of criminal negligence. We have now installed a strong board of directors who are making the hard decisions required to fix our national airline,’ he told legislators.

Earlier, CAL confirmed the immediate resignation of its chief executive officer Garvin Medera and that to ensure continuity and stability, chief operating officer, Nirmala Ramai, has been appointed acting chief executive officer ‘until further notice’.

It said that under the ‘guidance’ of the board of directors she ‘will work closely with the senior leadership team to support the airline through this transition’.

The statement gave no reasons for the ‘immediate resignation’ but thanked Medera ‘for his years of service and leadership and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours’.

CAL said that it would ‘continue to operate its full schedule, with no disruption to customers or partners’ and that the board of directors ’emphasises that this leadership transition comes at an important time for the airline and is part of its ongoing focus on stability, safety and accountability’

The statement by CAL on Monday said that as part of the new transition, the board and senior leadership team will be focusing on five key initiatives, namely supporting employees and stakeholders with open communication and care, reviewing operations to increase efficiency and modernisation, enhancing the customer experience with improved services, developing a long-term, financially responsible and sustainable growth plan and conducting full and thorough audits of all departments and processes, to strengthen governance, safety, and accountability.

‘The airline also reaffirmed its commitment to developing and promoting talent from within the organization, before seeking external candidates, to provide employees with clear opportunities for growth and career advancement.

‘Caribbean Airlines will continue to serve the region with pride, reliability and a steadfast commitment to safety. The Board of Directors remains committed to open and timely communication with employees, customers and stakeholders as this leadership transition and strategic plan are implemented,’ the statement added.