Category: CANA News

Both the Guyana Harpy Eagles and the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are in strong positions to push for victories in their second-round matches in the West Indies Championships at the halfway stage.

The Harpy Eagles batted the entire second day to build a comfortable first innings lead over the Windward Islands Volcanoes, while the Red Force have turned the tables on the Leeward Islands Hurricanes following a pulsating day of cricket.

In the other contest between the Jamaica Scorpions and Barbados Pride, heavy showers led to a significant amount of play being lost.

At the Antigua Recreation Ground in Antigua: Boosted by a strong showing by its middle order, the Guyana Harpy Eagles have batted themselves into a winning position against the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Half centuries from Kemol Savory and Keemo Paul and solid contributions from Richie Looknauth and Veerasammy Permaul, carried them to 361 for eight in their first innings and give them an already imposing first innings lead of 210 runs.

Resuming the day on 130 for two, the Harpy Eagles lost the wickets of captain Tevin Imlach for nine and overnight batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul for 35, to slip to 143 for four.

However, Savory and Paul came together to revive the innings during a 96-run partnership that helped to push their lead to 88 runs.

Pacer Ryan John broke the stand by dismissing Paul after he had made 56 off 87 deliveries, but Looknauth kept his side in the driver’s seat by adding a further 43 runs with Savory.

Part-time spinner Kavem Hodge was responsible for making the breakthrough, bowling Savory for 72 off 157 balls and Shadrack Descarte dismissed Gudakesh Motie for one to leave the score 293 for seven and give the Volcanoes hope of restricting the first innings deficit to under 150 runs.

But Looknauth, who made 41, along with Permaul, who is unbeaten on 25 along with Shamar Joseph, who is not out on 10, further frustrated the Volcanoes’ bowlers.

Kenneth Dember has so far taken 3-82, while Descarte has claimed 2-59.

At Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua: West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales produced a sensational spell of fast bowling to put Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the ascendancy in their match against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

Seales ran through the Hurricanes’ batting lineup in their second innings, snaring all six wickets to fall to reduce them to 136 for six, an overall lead of just 92 runs.

His performance followed a heroic, unbeaten half century from Jyd Goolie, which helped the Red Force gain an invaluable first innings lead of 44.

Resuming the day in a perilous position of 85 for six in response to the Hurricanes’ first innings total of 131, Goolie and captain Josha Da Silva added a further 26 runs before the latter was bowled by pacer Oshane Thomas for 36.

Justin Greaves then dismissed Anderson Phillip for 12 and Kelvin Pitman had Bryan Charles caught for one with the Red Force level on 131 for nine.

But Seales and Goolie gave their team a crucial advantage by putting on 44 runs for the last wicket before Pitman finally brought the innings to a close by having Seales caught for 13.

Goolie finished unbeaten on 51 off 95 deliveries. His innings contained six fours and one six.

Debutant Pitman ended with the impressive figures of 6-52 and Thomas 3-52.

Seales then returned to cause chaos by dismissing Kadeem Henry for three and Karima Gore for a duck in the space of three balls, and then had Keacy Carty caught behind for two to see the Hurricanes slump to 21 for three.

It became 33 for four when he bowled Jewel Andrew for one and Greaves made only six before being trapped lbw, as the Hurricanes tumbled to 43 for five to give Red Force hope of wrapping up the match inside two days.

However, it was not to be, as opener Mikyle Louis, who made 73 off 129 balls and Jahmar Hamilton (41 not out), saved them the embarrassment by adding 82 runs for the sixth wicket.

But just as they were looking to rebuild the innings, Seales struck again to dismiss Louis and grab his sixth wicket in the process.

Hamilton and Rahkeem Cornwall, who is on seven not out, carried them to the close of play without any further losses.

Seales has taken 6-33 from 16 overs.

At Sabina Park in Jamaica: Persistent showers left the contest between Jamaica Scorpions and Barbados Pride evenly balanced.

On a day in which only 54 overs were possible, Jamaica posted a competitive 457 in their first innings.

Buoyed by half centuries by openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Shayne Moseley, the Pride made a strong reply and were 125 for one in 27 overs when inclement weather forced play to be abandoned.

The two batters shared an opening stand of 105 in quick time before offspinner Peat Salmon bowled Moseley for a fluent 53 off 60 balls.

Skipper Brathwaite is unbeaten on 51 from 87 balls, while Jonathan Drakes is 17 not out.

Earlier, resuming the day on 358 for four, the Scorpions’ final total was bolstered by a counterattacking 54 from number eight batsman Odean Smith.

The Pride actually dominated proceedings in the morning session by grabbing four wickets to hamper the Scorpions’ progress.

Shamar Springer dismissed Brad Barnes after he added just six runs to his overnight score of 34 and also snagged the wicket of Romaine Morris and Peat Salmon, while Jomel Warrican sent Abhijai Mansingh back to the pavilion for a duck, as the Scorpions stumbled somewhat to 388 for eight.

But Smith dominated a 68-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Ojay Shields, who made, 14, blasting five fours and four sixes in his 70-ball knock.

Roston Chase brought the innings to a close by accounting for both Smith and Shields.

Springer led the way for the Pride with 3-99, while Johann Layne (2-67), Warrican (2-89) and Chase (2-92), provided good support.

Health ministers from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) began a meeting here on Tuesday against the background that the discussions will consider several longstanding priorities, most critically, the sustainability of the health workforce.

CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, addressing the opening of the 37th Special Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) – Health, said that in the Caribbean region ‘we have seen sustained efforts to strengthen disease surveillance, expand laboratory capacity, and reinforce preparedness and response mechanisms for public health emergencies’.

She said that these collective actions remain fundamental to safeguarding regional public health.

Barnett said that for decades, CARICOM leaders have underscored the urgency of addressing human resource gaps in the health systems and that some progress has been made, for example, on harmonising standards and policies for nursing and midwifery education, practice, and regulation.

‘However, progress must now accelerate and resolve into action – action to stem the persistent loss of skilled professionals, and action to build critical capabilities. This requires moving decisively to advance practical and coordinated solutions,’ she said, noting that the work of the Human Resources for Health Caribbean Commission remains a critical platform for shaping a coherent and collective regional response.

‘Even as we work to build our workforce, we must confront arguably the most persistent and pervasive threat to our human capital, the epidemic of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs),’ Barnett said.

He noted that 25 years ago, in the Nassau Declaration entitled ‘The Health of the Region is the Wealth of the Region’, regional leaders ‘clearly articulated the link between health and economic and social development’ as they committed to, among several other critical health sector goals, the development of a Regional Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases.

She said some years later, in 2007, with the Port of Spain Declaration, ‘Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic NCDs’, the region further demonstrated global leadership. Still today, NCDs continue to account for the majority of premature deaths across our Community, affecting persons in every age group.

‘This is not because nothing has been done. Quite a bit has been done to implement the 15 mandates set out in the Port of Spain Declaration, from moving, to eating well, access to medicine – all those things.

‘We have seen much progress, for example, with the goals of promotion of physical activity in schools and generally in our communities. There is increased access to medical intervention,’ she said, adding while there is excellent public education, the question remains have these efforts been enough?

‘The numbers suggest that much more needs to be done. Much greater effort is required, in particular, to improve access to healthy diets. This requires, firstly, increasing availability of affordable, fresh, meaning locally produced, food.

‘Production data shows that we have been making some good progress in the last several years with our regional plan, led by our Ministers of Agriculture, to reduce food imports by 25% by 2025 – now extended to 2030. There’s been significant investment in food production.’

But Barnett said improving the health of the region’s diets also means reducing consumption of mostly imported, highly preserved food ‘which we know normally means high salt and oil content – all those items that we know impact hypertension, diabetes- all those things that we need to be focusing on. In this effort, public education and point of purchase information are critical.

‘This is where I make a call for this Council to seek to refocus on addressing the long-delayed front of package labelling issue which is critical to informing consumer decision-making.’

Barnett said that in the Caribbean region, some countries are moving ahead. She said in South America some countries are leading by examples that the region can safely follow.

‘But we need to act. We must be decisive. Tackling NCDs requires a genuine whole-of-society approach, that engages sectors beyond health, including education, trade and finance, to implement the regulatory measures which are necessary to protect our populations by facilitating well-informed consumer decisions.

‘Since we have long acknowledged the link between health and economic and social development, the effectiveness of our health programmes, the sustainability of our health systems, and the strength and resilience of our economies and communities will depend on our ability to transition to proactive, preventative wellness,’ Barnett told the conference.

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is warning that the country cannot ‘normalise gun violence’ warning that the country’s long standing reputation in global tourism could be affected.

‘Barbados cannot afford to normalise gun violence. We cannot allow fear, lawlessness and indiscipline to gain further ground in our communities. Nor can we sit idly by while the image and integrity of our island are placed under increasing threat,’ said BHTA chairman, Javon Griffith.

The murder toll climbed to 23 following Sunday’s killings at a beach bar in Lower Carlton, St James on Sunday night that left Jamar Leron Edwards, 34, Lyle Anderson Robinson, 33, and 33 year-old Jamar Kareem Ramsay dead.

Police have since launched a manhunt for those responsible, urging those involved to turn themselves in, get a lawyer and go ‘the nearest police station and surrender yourselves’.

Griffith said the recent trend should alarm all Barbadians and visitors concerned about national safety and reputation.

‘What is perhaps most alarming is that these violent episodes are now beginning to feel like a regular weekend occurrence in Barbados. That is a reality which should concern every Barbadian, every visitor, and every stakeholder with an interest in the safety, stability, and reputation of this country.

‘Barbados has long distinguished itself as a peaceful, welcoming and civilised destination. Our tourism industry and indeed our wider national economy, depends heavily on that reputation. Visitors choose Barbados not only for its beauty, hospitality and culture, but also because they believe they are travelling to a destination that is safe, orderly and well-managed.’

Griffith warned that if gun violence continued unchecked, it could undermine confidence in Barbados as a destination.

‘If this growing pattern of gun violence is not confronted expeditiously, decisively and effectively, it has the potential to erode confidence in our destination and place the future strength of our tourism industry at serious risk.’

Griffith in expressing condolences to the families of the victims and the communities affected by the incidents, acknowledging also the work of the police and called for a broader national response:

‘It is evident that a broader, more urgent and more coordinated national response is now required. This is not solely a policing matter. It is a societal issue that calls for leadership, enforcement, intervention, community engagement and sustained action at every level. Barbados cannot afford to normalise gun violence. We cannot allow fear, lawlessness and indiscipline to gain further ground in our communities.

‘The time for decisive action is now. We urge the relevant authorities and all national stakeholders to treat this matter with the urgency it demands. The safety of our people must come first, and the protection of Barbados’ reputation as a safe and desirable destination must remain a national priority,’ the BHTA chairman said.

The state-owned Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) says it has signed a collective agreement with the Trinidad and Tobago Airline Pilots Association (TTALPA) covering the period September 1, 2020, to August 31, 2023.

‘The execution of this agreement also represents the culmination of sustained engagement, extensive dialogue and good-faith negotiations between the parties. It reflects a shared commitment to constructive industrial relations, mutual respect and the long-term stability of the national airline,’ the two parties said in a joint statement.

They said that the ‘agreement addresses the full range of terms and conditions governing pilots’ employment during the covered period, including salaries, allowances and other benefits’.

The statement said that the provides clarity, certainty and alignment for both the company and its pilots.

‘Importantly, this achievement marks the second collective agreement concluded between the parties in the past 16 months and allows both parties to move forward with a renewed focus on operational excellence, workforce stability and the financial resilience of Caribbean Airlines in a dynamic aviation industry and geopolitical landscape,’ it stated.

‘Caribbean Airlines acknowledges the perseverance demonstrated by TTALPA throughout the negotiations and recognises the critical role pilots play in the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of the airline’s services.

‘TTALPA, in turn, acknowledges the company’s consistent engagement and its commitment to resolving outstanding matters within the framework of the collective bargaining process,’ according to the statement, noitng that both parties would continue to work together on future issues, strengthen labour relations and support the airline’s long-term growth and resilience.

Last April, CAL confirmed that negotiations with TTALPA over the 2020-2023 Collective Labour Agreement were progressing steadily.

In a sttement then, the airline said following the successful conclusion of the 2015-2020 agreement in December 2024, bilateral discussions with TTALPA began in February to finalise the next agreement.

It said one of the key outcomes so far has been a four per cent retroactive pay increase for the 2020-2023 period.

‘The negotiated retroactive payments were processed and paid to the pilots on April 11, 2025,’ the airline said, adding that the negotiations were continuing in good faith, and expressed optimism that a full settlement will be achieved soon.

‘Caribbean Airlines remains focused on building a positive and productive workplace for all its employees, as it continues its mission to connect the Caribbean and serve the region with excellence,’ the statement said then.

Led by a brilliant all-around performance by veteran Veerasammy Permaul, the Guyana Harpy Eagles demolished the Windward Islands Volcanoes inside three days to claim their second successive victory in the West Indies Championship here on Tuesday.

Resuming the day on 361 for eight in their first innings in response to the Volcanoes’ 151, the Harpy Eagles’ last three batsmen added a remarkable 160 more runs to the total before finally being dismissed for 491, giving them a mammoth lead of 340 runs.

Batting at number nine, Permaul scored an unbeaten 82, Shamar Joseph made 46 and last man Nial Smith chipped in with 37 to extend their team’s already sizeable advantage.

Permaul shared a 74-run partnership with Joseph and then added another 86 runs with Smith for the last wicket. In all he faced 150 balls and struck nine fours and two sixes.

Led by a brilliant all-around performance by veteran Veerasammy Permaul, the Guyana Harpy Eagles demolished the Windward Islands Volcanoes inside three days to claim their second successive victory in the West Indies Championship here on Tuesday.

Resuming the day on 361 for eight in their first innings in response to the Volcanoes’ 151, the Harpy Eagles’ last three batsmen added a remarkable 160 more runs to the total before finally being dismissed for 491, giving them a mammoth lead of 340 runs.

Batting at number nine, Permaul scored an unbeaten 82, Shamar Joseph made 46 and last man Nial Smith chipped in with 37 to extend their team’s already sizeable advantage.

Permaul shared a 74-run partnership with Joseph and then added another 86 runs with Smith for the last wicket. In all he faced 150 balls and struck nine fours and two sixes.

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Tuesday reserved its ruling in the extradition matter involving the Opposition Leader in Guyana, Azruddin Mohamed and his billionaire businessman father, Nazar Mohamed.

‘We are not yet in a position to give a decision on the application before us, therefore we are going to reserve until such time as we are so able,’ said CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson.

‘Now, the court is of course sensitive and aware of the fact that we are dealing with extradition matters and these should be handled with expedition, but obviously equally we want to give due care and consideration to the arguments that have been put before us and to ensure that the application is given due consideration. So we will have our decision as soon as is reasonably practical,’ he added.

On October 30, 2025, the United States government submitted a request to Guyana seeking their extradition to face an 11 count criminal indictment, including allegations of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering.

Following receipt of the request, Guyana’s Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, issued an Authority to Proceed (ATP) under the Fugitive Offenders Act with Magistrate Judy Latchman on October 31, issuing the arrest warrants, formally commencing extradition proceedings in the Court of Committal, which remain ongoing.

But in December last year, the applicants initiated judicial review proceedings against the Minister of Home Affairs, the Attorney General and the Magistrate, challenging the validity of the ATP to proceed and sought a stay of the extradition process.

But their claim was dismissed by the High Court on February 4 this year and by the Court of Appeal on March 17.

The Mohameds are now seeking special leave to appeal to the CCJ, Guyana’s highest and final court and while the High Court and the Court of Appeal refused to stay the extradition proceedings, at a case management conference held on March 25, the CCJ granted an interim stay of the extradition proceedings pending the determination of this application for special leave.

On Tuesday, following the presentation of arguments from all the parties via video conference in which the CCJ had aso ordered, among other things, that the hearing of the application for special leave be treated as the hearing of the substantive appeal, the panel of judges reserved their ruling in the matter.

Justice Winston Anderson said that the interim stay of proceedings will ‘obviously continue until the decision is made by this court on the application’ adding that the CCJ does not seek to regulate public commentary on judicial matters.

‘We are well aware that counsel has a right to free speech and we encourage the exercise thereof, of course. However, statements which are made outside of these proceedings and which could have the effect of undermining the fairness of the proceedings or which could public confidence in the administration of justice should be avoided and we would expect council on both sides to adhere to their professional responsibilities as far as that is concerned.

‘We hope that that issue does not arise for any further comment by this court. But I am pretty sure council understands the need for proper behaviour in this regard and I say counsel of course on all sides,’ Justice Anderson added.

Scores at the end of the third day in the second-round match between Jamaica Scorpions and Barbados Pride in the West Indies Championship here on Tuesday.

At Sabina Park in Jamaica: Barbados Pride lead Jamaica Scorpions by three runs with five wickets remaining.

SCORPIONS 457.

PRIDE 460-5 in 125 overs (Kraigg Brathwaite 176, Kevin Wickham 105, Jonathan Drakes 55, Shayne Moseley 53, Kyle Mayers 16 not out, Roston Chase 16, Leniko Boucher 12 not out; Peat Salmon 4-99).

US law enforcement officials have arrested three members of a group allegedly running a prostitution ring and harboring illegal immigrants in St. Thomas.

A federal judge in the District of the Virgin Islands issued a criminal complaint and authorised arrest warrants charging 56 year-old Hussein Jamil, also known as Hussian Jamil Suarez, also known as Tony, 39 year-old Magda Castro Santos also known as Tatiana and 65 year-old, Julio Hidaldo De Pena for their alleged respective roles in a variety of criminal activities centered around an establishment known as Tootsys Gentlemen’s Club (Tootsys).

According to court documents, Jamil owns and operates Tootsys, a strip club in St. Thomas, USVI, which he, Castro Santos, and Hidaldo De Pena are alleged to have operated as a brothel.

The alleged conspirators advertised Tootsys over Instagram and other platforms to recruit women to work at the club. They are alleged to have hired both US citizens and illegal aliens as dancers and sex workers.

Jamil is alleged to have paid for US citizens to fly from elsewhere within the United States to St. Thomas and financed smuggling operations for aliens to illegally enter the US Virgin Islands.

The court document notes that when the dancers arrived on St. Thomas for the purpose of working at Tootsys, the alleged conspirators’ coercive fee scheme pushed the dancers to make more money by engaging in commercial sex, both at Tootsys and through customers ‘buying out’ dancers to take them to an offsite premises.

Jamil, Castro Santo, and Hildaldo de Pena are each charged with conspiracy to transport for purpose of prostitution, conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, and conspiracy to harbour aliens for financial gain.

If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiracy to transport for purpose of prostitution and conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises and 10 years in prison for conspiracy to harbour aliens for financial gain.

The investigation and charges are also supported and prosecuted by the Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’ of Justice’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organisations (TCOs).

The JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security and it has been expanded to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada and the Caribbean.

To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 455 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organsers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking with more than 400 U.S. convictions and more than 350 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

The second-round match between the Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force was abandoned on the third day after it was determined that the pitch at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium was unfit and dangerous.

The decision was made after on-field umpires Leslie Reifer and Zahid Bassarath suggested that play be stopped after Hurricanes’ batter Jeremiah Louis was struck by a delivery from fast bowler Jayden Seales.

At the time the home side was 140 for seven in their second innings, an overall lead of 96 runs.

Following consultation with match referee Johnathan Blades, it was decided that the match would be abandoned in the interest of the players’ safety.

Louis was reported to be in stable condition after being taken for medical treatment.

In a subsequent statement, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said the decision was taken in accordance with the rules of the competition.

‘Cricket West Indies has announced that the second match of the Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago bilateral series in the 2026 West Indies Championship has been abandoned as a draw due to dangerous pitch conditions at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium.

‘Play was halted on the first session of the third day after the pitch began to exhibit unpredictable and uneven behaviour, raising serious concerns for player safety. During this period, Leeward Islands player Jeremiah Louis was struck while batting. He was immediately attended to by medical personnel and subsequently transported to hospital to be evaluated for a possible concussion and is reported to be in stable condition,’ the statement read.

‘The decision to abandon the match was made in accordance with the official playing conditions governing the competition. Under these conditions, when on-field umpires determine that it is dangerous or unreasonable for play to continue, play must be stopped and the CWI Match Referee consulted.

‘Following discussions with the curator, it was determined that the pitch could not be safely repaired without creating an unfair advantage and was therefore deemed unfit to resume, resulting in the match being abandoned as a draw. Both teams will be awarded points earned up until the abandonment of the contest in accordance with the championship’s playing conditions,’ it further added.

CWI said while the Sir Viv Richards Stadium was set to host the finals next month, it gave the assurance that the necessary work would be done to ensure it was in prime condition.

‘CWI further advises that no matches are scheduled at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium until the championship final, set for May 17-20, and confirms that all necessary resources and expertise will be deployed to ensure the preparation of a safe and competitive playing surface for that fixture.

‘It is also important to note that the surface used for the Leeward Islands vs Trinidad and Tobago match is one of six pitches available at the venue and differs from the one used for match one of the Guyana vs Windward Islands series,’ CWI said.

‘CWI will continue to prioritise player safety while ensuring the highest standards of pitch preparation and match operations across all venues.’

A 27-yar-old man has been remanded into custody until August 20 after he appeared in court charged with the murder 48-year-old grandmother who was killed on April 13 after being hit by a stray bullet as she cradled her grandchild at her home.

The prosecution alleges that Anejo Smith, 27, caused the death of Tamika Nottage-Cime as he allegedly fired multiple shots while chasing another man through a yard in the area.

The court heard that a bullet pierced the victim’s northwestern bedroom and struck her as she held her one-year-old grandson. The child, though covered in his grandmother’s blood, was not injured.

Smith, who was not required to enter a plea when he appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Eva, but was informed that his case would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment and advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court.

He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until service of his voluntary bill of indictment on August 20.

Nottage was also on the campaign team for Centreville legislator Jomo Campbell, who said ‘our hearts go out to the family who are terribly shaken up.

‘We would like to take this opportunity to extend to The Bahamas at large a clarion call for peace and unity on our streets. There really needs to be more room for conversation and less confrontation. I honestly can’t find the words.’