Category: CANA News

The Bahamas government is urging citizens to avid ‘all non-essential’ travel to Cuba saying the country continues to experience challenges affecting electricity supply, fuel availability, transportation, and access to basic goods and services.

‘These issues may impact daily life across the island, including in Havana and could change with little notice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Bahamian nationals travelling to or residing in the Republic of Cuba to exercise caution and to remain aware of current local conditions,’ the government statement said. It said that Bahamians must have a valid passport for at least six months from entry date and contain at least one blank page as well as proof of return ticket and accomodation.

The government said also that a visa is required for entry, allowing for stays up to 90 days and that all Bahamians must comply strictly with immigration regulations.

‘Cuba operates largely on a cash-based system. International banking access is extremely limited. Bring sufficient cash, US dollars or Euros to cover all expenses for the duration of stay.

‘Travellers must declare cash amounts exceeding US$5,000 upon entry into Cuba. When departing, travellers carrying more than US$5,000 in any currency must declare such amounts to the relevant authorities,’ the government warned, adding ‘failure to declare amounts above the limit may result in the seizure of undeclared funds’.

The statement said that as of June 6, international Visa and Mastercard transactions have been suspended in Cuba and that ‘travellers should not expect to use foreign credit or debit cards for purchases or cash withdrawals.’

The government is also urging citizens to avoid all demonstrations and gatherings and follow instructions issued by local officials.

Cuba has come under severe problems in recent months after the United States imposed a further oil embargo on the island, after Washington had removed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro from office in January.

Caracas had been Havana’s main supplier of oil and the embargo has led to a crippling crisis in the Caribbean island.

Cuba’s Ambassador to The Bahamas, Marcof Sanchez, speaking on a radio programme here, has described the situation in his country as very serious and called on regional countries to stand in solidarity with Havana against military aggression.

Sanchez told radio listeners that US led military aggression against Cuba would have a direct impact on the region at large, and expressed that the Cuban government is willing to have a respectful dialogue with the US, which has for decades imposed a trade and economic embargo on the island.

A senior United States official Monday said operational successes require sustained intelligence sharing, technical expertise, and the kind of trust that only comes from working side-by-side over time.

Addressing the five-day regional workshop jointly facilitated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy here, Michael Fitzpatrick, urged participants in a firearms trafficking workshop to make the most of networking and joint training experiences to better address gun crime in the region.

‘Operational successes require sustained intelligence sharing, technical expertise, and the kind of trust that only comes from working side-by-side over time. This workshop is about operationalising what we know and ensuring that when the next shipment arrives, when the next network emerges, we are ready.’

He said that over the next five days, the participants ‘will learn about emerging threats and how to defeat them.

‘You will build on regional collaboration on all aspects of the investigation and prosecution processes. Make the most of it. Make the most of each other.

‘Defeating them requires exactly what we see in this room. Professionals who understand tracing, who know how to build prosecutable cases, and who can pick up the phone and reach a trusted counterpart in another country,’ he added..

Trinidad and Tobago Defence Ministers, Wayne Sturge said that the firearms crisis and the distinction matters ‘because problems can be managed incrementally, while crises demand a very different type and quality of response.

‘It is that quality of response which brings us here today. The illegal trafficking of firearms continues to be the engine behind gang violence, organised criminal networks and serious violent crime across our region.

‘What was once treated as a domestic law enforcement challenge has become something far more complex, transnational in reach, adaptive in method and increasingly sophisticated in use of technology,’ Sturge told the participants.

Sturge said cooperation is vital requiring also intelligence, innovation, and strong partnerships. He said through collaboration and capacity building, the government continues to strengthen the security architecture of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region.

Sturge said this workshop brings together regional and international stakeholders to strengthen the collective response to illicit firearms trafficking, transnational organised crime, and emerging security threats, and commended CARICOM IMPACS and all participating agencies for their commitment to advancing regional security and building safer communities for citizens.

Sri Lanka Emerging Players reached 302 for eight against the West Indies Academy at the close of play on the opening day of their four-day match at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium here on Monday.

Scores

SRI LANKA EMERGING PLAYERS 302-8 in 77 overs (Anjala Bandara 126 not out, Asitha Wanninayake 41, Nisala Abeyratne 38 not out, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 25, Shakthi Udara 13; Johann Layne 3-58, Ryan Bandoo 2-45, Jediah Blades 2-64).

The Guyana government says a major gold sector developer has committed to reserving shares for Guyanese businesses and individuals once the country’s junior stock exchange becomes operational this year.

President Irfaan Ali did not name the ‘major gold sector developer’ but said the commitment is one reason the government is pressing ahead with the establishment of the exchange, which he said will open large-scale investment opportunities to ordinary Guyanese, allowing what he described as massive participation from local businesses and individuals once it is up and running.

‘I am very pleased to say in the gold sector for example, one of the very large developers , they are willing to set up shares for the local population, local businesses and that is why it is important for us to have the junior stock exchange.’ Ali said the move forms part of a broader effort to extend local content principles beyond the oil and gas sector into all areas of the economy.

‘The coming weeks will be very exciting for local content and local participation in large-scale transformative projects,’ he said.

Ali said that he has directed the Ministry of Natural Resources to review the local content list, pointing to financial services and insurance as two categories where there has been strong interest in increasing local participation.

The junior stock exchange is one of three financing channels the head of state flagged for local investors.

Legislation for the Guyana Development Bank has been laid in the National Assembly, while a diaspora bond offering fixed rates of return is being prepared to help fund national infrastructure projects.

The Belize government has ‘strongly’ condemned the acts of violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment directed at health care workers across the country.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) said that ‘an unfortunate incident occurred’ on Saturday at one of the primary health care facilities, where a doctor and another health care provider were physically attacked by a patient who was awaiting care. ‘Threats and attacks of this nature are increasing at many public health facilities. Health care professionals and support staff serve on the front lines every day to protect lives, respond to emergencies, and deliver essential services to communities throughout the country.

‘Any attack or threat against them is unacceptable and undermines patient safety, continuity of care, and patients’ well-being,’ the MoHW said in a statement.

It reaffirmed that health care providers have the fundamental right to work in a safe and secure environment and must be allowed to perform their duties adequately.

‘Protecting health staff is essential to ensuring timely, effective, and equitable care for every person who depends on the public health system,’ the ministry said, calling on all members of the public to respect and support health care workers in the execution of their duties in all settings.

‘Threats, abusive language, intimidation, or physical aggression towards health personnel cannot be tolerated. The MoHW remains committed to working with the public and with law enforcement to strengthen protection for health personnel and to promote a culture of respect throughout the health sector.’

The ministry thanked ‘all health care workers in Belize for their continued service to the people of Belize and the patients who continue to cooperate with and trust in the health system by seeking its services’.

The St. Kitts and Nevis government says the Customs relief measures currently in effect, including the waiver of bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations, will remain in effect until the end of July.

The government says the measures are part of its ongoing efforts to address rising cost-of-living challenges and protect citizens and residents from increasing global prices. It said that the measures are specifically designed to help ease cost-of-living pressures by reducing the impact of escalating international fuel and freight costs on the prices of imported goods.

‘By excluding bunker surcharges associated with sea and air freight from the Customs Value (CIF) used to calculate customs duties and taxes, the government has taken deliberate action to prevent consumers from bearing additional costs generated outside the Federation’s control,’ the government said in a statement.

It said that the waiver recognises that recent increases in shipping and transportation charges are largely the result of external economic factors, including fluctuations in global fuel prices and international supply chain pressures.

‘These developments have contributed to higher costs worldwide and have intensified cost-of-living concerns in many countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis,’ the statement said, adding that by removing these surcharges from the customs valuation process, the government has reduced the tax burden attached to imported goods, providing relief to importers and creating opportunities for savings to be passed on to consumers.

‘The measure forms part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing cost-of-living pressures, cushioning households and businesses from international economic shocks, and helping to stabilise prices within the local economy.’

The Terrance Drew administration said that the customs surcharge waiver is one of several temporary relief measures it has implemented, adding that other initiatives include a 50 per cent reduction in the excise tax on gasoline, a reduction in the Customs Service Charge on gasoline from six to three per cent, and the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on qualifying alternative energy equipment and devices.

‘Together, these measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to tackling the cost of living through practical and targeted interventions that provide meaningful relief to families and businesses while strengthening national economic resilience,’ the government said in the statement.

Police say a 26-year-old man is assisting their investigations following the death of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne, whose body was discovered on Sunday, in Erin, a coastal village located along the southwestern peninsula of Trinidad.

Police said that Mercedez was reported missing on Saturday by her grandfather, after she had spent the previous night at his residence. The police said the grandfather had placed her into a vehicle, intended to transport the child to her home. ‘However, information later received indicated that Mercedez never arrived at her destination. The girl’s mother subsequently went the Erin Police Station along with the child’s grandfather, and a missing person investigation was immediately launched,’ the police said.

They said acting on information received and after reviewing CCTV footage, officers identified the vehicle in which the child had last been seen travelling and that the vehicle was later located abandoned, where it was photographed, processed and conveyed to the Erin Police Station as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police said that on Sunday, an employee of an oil company went to inspect a well and while traversing the roadway, he discovered the body of a young female lying face down along the well access road.

A report was immediately made to the Erin Police Station, and first responders proceeded to the scene, where the body was subsequently identified as that of the missing child.

The police say a 26-year-old has been detained in connection with the matter and ‘remains in police custody as enquiries continue’.

Bharti Fulmali scored a half century and Shreyanka Patil grabbed four wickets to guide India Women to a comfortable 26-run victory over West Indies Women in their warmup match here on Monday ahead of the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

In a contest where both sides were allowed to utilize 14 players, India posted a competitive total of 179 for eight in 20 overs after being sent in to bat.

Fulmali led the way with an unbeaten 56 off 40 balls that included four fours and one six, while captain Smriti Mandhana made 39 off 23 balls with eight fours and Yastika Bhatia scored 36 from 26 balls with six boundaries before retiring hurt.

India looked set to post a mammoth total after blazing to 145 for three at the end of 15 overs, but leg spinner Afy Fletcher grabbed the wickets of Richa Ghosh for a duck, Radha Yadav for one and Shreyanka Patil for two to stem the flow of runs. She finished with the impressive figures of 4-23 from her four overs, while Karishma Ramharack, Deandra Dottin and Aaliyah Alleyne took a wicket apiece.

Despite getting off to a promising start in their run chase, West Indies Women – who were without the services of captain Hayley Matthews and veteran Stafanie Taylor – were eventually restricted to 153 for eight in their 20 overs.

The new look opening pair of Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle added 63 runs in nine overs, but once the latter retired out after scoring 25 from 22 balls, the innings crumbled.

Qiana Joseph was bowled by Patil for four, with the offspinner also snaring the wicket of Jahzara Claxton for six.

When Dottin was trapped lbw by Radha Yadav for the topscore of 49 off 44 balls, inclusive of eight fours, the Windies had slumped to 102 for five.

Shawnisha Hector scored an unbeaten 19 off 11 balls batting at number nine, but the outcome had long been decided by then.

Patil claimed 4-36, while Yadav took 3-25.

The West Indies’ second and final warmup match will be against Australia on Wednesday.

Pan Trinbago has paid tribute to Robert Greenidge, the renowned steelpan legend, arranger, composer, producer, recording artist, and cultural ambassador, who died in the United States on Monday.

‘We honour his life, his legacy, and his immeasurable impact on the steelpan fraternity. His music and influence will continue to resonate across panyards and stages globally,’ Pan Trinbago said in a statement, extending ‘sincere sympathy to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable journey. Greenidge, 76, who passed away in the United States, had been ailing for a while after suffering a stroke. He was born in Success Village, Laventille, on the outskirts if the capital, and by the age of eight he was playing pan with The Savoys Steel Orchestra under the tutorship of his uncle and renowned pannist, Carl Greenidge. He later joined Desperadoes under the leadership of Rudolph Charles and the direct musical guidance of Emmanuel ‘Corbeau Jack’ Riley.

During the 1970s, he performed pan solos on American television, appearing on such top shows as the Jackson Five Special, with King Erickson in A Man Called Sloan, on Saturday Night Live and on The Solid Gold Show. He has also featured on soundtracks for the movies ‘Champs’ and ‘Brothers’ and recorded many jingles for television.

One of the treasured highlights of his career was an appearance in the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland where he played alongside such famous jazz musicians as Stan Getz and Jimmy Smith.

His most successful undertaking, Just The Two Of Us, was recorded with Grover Washington and produced by Ralph McDonald.

The National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) says it does not support the decision of the Trinidad and Tobago government to extend the current state of emergency (SoE) that comes to an end on June 17.

‘Emergency rule must never become normalised. What is presented as temporary must not be allowed to evolve into a standing feature of governance. A nation cannot claim to defend law and order while silencing the lawful voices of its people,’ the umbrella grouping, which represents approximately 80,000 workers across various industries, said in a statement. On Sunday, the Office of the Attorney General issued a statement in which it said that following a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, a decision was taken to extend the SoE by three months.

The statement said that Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s government will go to Parliament on Wednesday tabling a resolution to extend the SoE for three months. The government enjoys a 28-13 majority in the Parliament.

The main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has already indicated that it will not support the measure when it is brought to Parliament and intends challenging its constitutionality in the courts.

In March, the government defended the imposition of the SoE less than two months after a more than year long similar measure had been lifted.

In its statement, NATUC while acknowledging the administration’s primary obligation to safeguard public security, said that prolonged interventions threaten to dismantle essential civil liberties.

It warned that that emergency rule must not become a permanent fixture of national governance or be used to systematically curtail public speech and legislative transparency.

It expressed particular alarm regarding the restrictive impact of these executive powers on the rights of trade unions, civil society groups, and individual citizens to assemble, protest, and voice dissent.

NATUC said that access to historical public grounds surrounding Whitehall, the Red House, and various ministry buildings remains central to local civic expression.

It is calling on members of Parliament, independent senators, religious bodies, and civil organizations to strictly scrutinize the upcoming legislative request. It is also demanding that the government provide ‘clear, transparent data’ regarding the objective effectiveness of the SOE framework to date, questioning whether the measures are actively reducing crime or merely suppressing civic freedoms.

‘National security cannot be built on the weakening of democracy,’ NATUC said, adding that public safety and constitutional rights coexist transparently without sacrificing fundamental civil liberties.

The Tobago arm of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce says another extension of the SOE does not augur well for the island’s tourism thrust.

The private sector chairman, Curtis Williams, said that the real test for the country is after the SOE ends.

‘The real test is whether the reduction in crime can be maintained after the SOE ends. Businesses are looking for sustainable safety and not a temporary leave,’ he added.

Meanwhile, criminologist Dr. Randy Seepersad is cautioning the government on using states of emergency as a crime-fighting initiative.

Seepersad, speaking on a television programme here on Monday, said while there is no doubt the recent SOEs bore fruit in terms of a decline in murders and other serious crimes, such an anti-crime measure should not be normalised as it can lose its effectiveness.

He said more needs to be done to arrest the issue of gangs operating in the country and that domestic related murders must also be taken into consideration.

‘First, let me be clear that while the SoE is indeed related to a reduction in crime, I think we have long established that it certainly does not get at root causes, so we need something beyond the SoE.

‘It does not tackle all aspects of the crime situation. Murders in incidents of domestic violence. An SoE will not be able to curb those kinds of murders because they have a whole different set of root causes,’ he said.