Category: CANA News

Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela have agreed on a roadmap to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, environmental protection, culture and collective security.

The agreement follows a meeting between Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Sean Sobers, and his Venezuelan counterpart during Sobers’ visit to Venezuela.

In a joint statement issued Thursday, the two governments said the visit marks ‘a new chapter’ in diplomatic relations between the neighbouring countries.

The working agenda is intended to facilitate what the governments described as ‘a new era’ in relations, to be led by Venezuelan President Deley Rodriguez and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The two sides said the agenda will serve as a roadmap for increased cooperation in several priority areas.

In trade, they aim to deepen commercial ties and support economic growth in both countries.

On energy, the governments said they will seek to develop the natural resources provided by both territories, while cooperation in agriculture will focus on strengthening food security.

The countries also agreed to work towards sustainable development and environmental protection in the Caribbean, while cultural cooperation will seek to strengthen integration between their peoples.

Collective security was also identified as an area for greater cooperation.

The Venezuelan government expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the solidarity and support provided following the double earthquake on June 24.

Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a permanent channel of communication to advance the working agenda.

They said the cooperation will be pursued in accordance with international law and in the interest of the economic and social development of the people of both countries.

The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning has launched an investigation into a fatal construction site accident that claimed the life of a Cuban national and injured two others on Tuesday. The ministry confirmed that 36-year-old Cuban national Yordan Garcia Roland died in the incident outside a building at Plantation Houston, East Bank Demerara.

Two other Cuban nationals, 33-year-old Troy Estriado and 37-year-old Yusvani Ramirez, were injured and received medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Occupational Safety and Health Officers visited the worksite shortly after the incident to conduct preliminary investigations. The officers also visited the GPHC, where the injured workers were treated.

Though a statement from the ministry gave no details about what had occurred, media reports indicated that the three suffered electric shocks when a metal scaffolding came into contact with power lines.

‘The ministry’s investigation remains ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether all required occupational safety and health measures were observed,’ the statement said.

‘As the investigation continues, the ministry remains committed to its broader efforts to strengthen occupational safety and health standards and promote safer workplaces across Guyana.’

Those efforts include the ongoing ‘Putting Safety First’ campaign and its targeted awareness initiatives, including the ‘Putting Safety First in the Construction Sector’ seminar series. The seminar series engages employers, contractors and workers on safe work practices, compliance with occupational safety and health requirements and the prevention of workplace accidents.

Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith has urged employers, contractors and workers to prioritise workplace safety and take every necessary precaution to prevent accidents and protect lives.

Guyana President Irfaan Ali will deliver the keynote address at next month’s Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), which will focus on the future of Caribbean tourism amid changing technology, climate pressures and evolving traveller expectations.

SOTIC 2026 will be held in Georgetown, for the first time, from October 5-9, under the theme ‘Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive’.

President Ali’s keynote will frame discussions on how Caribbean destinations can harness innovation and technology, strengthen environmental and economic resilience, and ensure tourism growth creates meaningful opportunities for communities across the region.

‘President Ali’s participation brings an important dimension to SOTIC at a time when we are asking fundamental questions about what the future of Caribbean tourism should look like,’ said Dona Regis-Prosper, secretary-general and CEO of CTO.

‘He brings the perspective not only of a regional head of government but also of a leader who understands sustainable tourism and its connection to national development. As we explore a future that is smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive, his voice will help set the stage for the bold thinking and collaborative action our region needs.’

Guyana’s Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said hosting SOTIC and welcoming regional and international tourism leaders to Georgetown presents an opportunity to advance the Caribbean tourism conversation while showcasing Guyana’s evolving visitor economy.

‘We are honoured to welcome President Ali to deliver the keynote address and to host the Caribbean tourism community here in Guyana,’ said Minister Rodrigues.

‘The conference theme speaks directly to the kind of tourism future we are working to build – one that embraces innovation, protects what makes our destinations distinctive and ensures that the benefits of tourism reach our people and communities. Guyana is proud to provide the setting for this important regional dialogue.’

Guyana has placed sustainable tourism, biodiversity conservation and community participation at the centre of its tourism development strategy while pursuing broader economic diversification and investment in the sector.

SOTIC is CTO’s principal forum for bringing together tourism ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, private-sector executives, regional and international partners, academics, media, young people and other industry stakeholders to examine issues shaping Caribbean tourism.

The 2026 programme will focus on data, tourism intelligence, innovation, emerging technology, climate resilience and regenerative tourism, destination competitiveness, inclusive growth and the role of the region’s next generation of tourism leaders.

CTO business meetings will take place October 5-6, followed by the main SOTIC conference on October 7-8, including the Regional Tourism Youth Congress on October 8. Destination Media Briefings will conclude the week on October 9.

Police have seized 416.5 kilogrammes of cocaine with an estimated street value of TT$193.5 million (US$28.6 million) after finding the drugs hidden inside four backhoe tyres at a warehouse in Longdenville.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said the seizure was made during an intelligence-led operation carried out between Wednesday and Thursday in the Longdenville Police District. Police said their enquiries focused on the suspected concealment of illegal firearms and narcotics at premises along Pokhor Road, Longdenville.

Officers searched a residence, warehouse and surrounding compound under Section 12 of the Emergency Powers Regulations 2026.

During the search, they found six large backhoe tyres mounted on rims inside the warehouse. A closer examination revealed rectangular packages inside four of the tyres.

Police said 420 packages were seized.

A 42-year-old businessman from the British Virgin Islands was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Two Saint Lucian nationals, aged 38 and 37, were also detained.

The seized items were taken to the Special Investigations Unit in Port of Spain, while the three detained persons were taken to the St Joseph Police Station pending further enquiries.

The TTPS said investigations are continuing.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew Thursday said he remains in ‘good spirits’ and is continuing to ‘getting fully active, fully conscious and in stable condition’ as members of his medical team in the United States continue to evaluate his illness.

Prime Minister Drew, with tubes and plaster attached to his hands, in a five minute broadcast to the nation did not disclose the nature of his illness, but said that he had been treated first in the French island of Martinique and is now in South Florida.

Earlier media reports in Martinique had said that the prime minister had suffered a stroke, but that he is not expected to suffer lasting effect.

‘ My wife and I travelled here on the advice of medical specialists in St. Kitts and Nevis as well as specialists in Martinique so that further investigations could be conducted. At this stage there is nothing alarming to report but the doctors are continuing their investigations and I believe it is important that they are allowed to be thorough,’ said Prime Minister Drew, himself a medical practitioner.

He recalled that last Sunday he began experiencing persistent nausea which progressively developed into episodes of vomiting.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is offering two fully funded scholarships to procurement professionals across its 19 Borrowing Member Countries to pursue a master’s degree in public procurement in Italy.

The scholarships will allow qualified candidates to pursue the International Master in Public Procurement Management (IMPPM) at the University of Rome Tor Vergata during the 2026/2027 academic year.

The programme marks the fifth consecutive year that CDB has provided procurement professionals with access to training in public procurement through its scholarship programme.

The initiative forms part of the Bank’s efforts to strengthen public financial management systems across the Caribbean by building procurement capacity, advancing the professionalisation of the public procurement workforce and promoting internationally recognised best practices.

‘Strong public procurement systems are essential to achieving sustainable development outcomes and ensuring value for money in the use of public resources. Through this scholarship programme, CDB is investing in the professional development of procurement practitioners who will help modernise procurement systems, strengthen accountability and transparency, and advance sustainable and inclusive procurement practices across the Caribbean,’ said Naomi Akoy-Bouguenon, Acting Division Chief, Procurement Policy Division at CDB.

The IMPPM is recognised as a leading master’s programme in public procurement and covers sustainable and inclusive public procurement approaches, including gender equality, procurement strategy, legal frameworks, supply chain management and ethical considerations.

Since its inception, the CDB scholarship has helped develop a network of procurement professionals across the Caribbean who are applying their expertise to strengthen procurement systems, governance and development effectiveness in their respective countries.

The scholarship is open to citizens and/or residents of CDB Borrowing Member Countries who hold a relevant master’s degree as a minimum qualification and have relevant work experience in procurement.

Applicants must also demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing public procurement practices in their respective countries.

The application process and eligibility requirements are available on the Bank’s website.

The application deadline is October 3, 2026.

Martinique media are reporting that St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew suffered a stroke and was treated at the University Hospital of Martinique.

Martinique La Première reported that Drew was admitted to the hospital’s intensive care unit on Monday evening after experiencing headaches and nausea.

The report said Drew was placed under observation and treated by an intensive-care team led by Professor Dabor Resière. It said his condition subsequently stabilised following treatment and that he is not expected to suffer lasting effects.

Martinique La Première also reported that Drew expressed gratitude for the care provided by healthcare professionals in Martinique and intends to discuss the quality and availability of medical care there with fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders.

The reported stroke diagnosis has not been publicly confirmed by the Government of St Kitts and Nevis or Drew’s medical team.

In its most recent official update, issued Monday, the Cabinet Secretariat said Drew had arrived at an undisclosed medical facility overseas and was undergoing scheduled diagnostic tests and specialist assessments.

The Government said Drew remained in stable condition, fully alert and in good spirits, and that specialists at the overseas facility had consulted directly with the clinical team at the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital in Basseterre to review his medical records and coordinate his care plan.

The Government had earlier said Drew presented to the JNF General Hospital on Sunday evening after experiencing mild discomfort, nausea and a headache.

He was admitted for observation and underwent clinical evaluation and diagnostic reviews. The Cabinet Secretariat said his treating physicians found him to be awake, alert and in stable condition and recommended that he be transported overseas for specialised observation and precautionary monitoring.

The Government has not disclosed the overseas medical facility or confirmed that Drew is receiving treatment in Martinique.

The Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC) says the island’s geothermal drilling project is moving closer to drilling with a NEVLEC delegation travelling to Iceland as the 272-metric-tonne Drillmec HH-300 ‘Týr’ rig prepares to undergo its final independent acceptance inspection.

The delegation, led by NEVLEC general manager Nelson Stapleton and project coordinator Naftalie Errar, late last month oversaw the inspection at the Iceland Drilling Company (IDC) facility.

NEVLEC said that the inspection represents the ‘final major quality assurance and safety verification before the rig is mobilised to Nevis’ adding that the delegation held discussions with drilling, engineering and geothermal specialists in Iceland.

‘The rig is expected to drill five geothermal wells at the Hamilton geothermal site. Successful completion of the inspection and certification process will clear the way for its ocean transport to Nevis,’ NEVLEC said in a statement.

‘As we move closer to drilling, it is important that NEVLEC has direct oversight of the rig’s readiness and a clear understanding of what will be required once the equipment is mobilised to Nevis,’ said Stapleton.

‘Equally important is building the capacity of our team so that the knowledge and experience gained during this stage remain within NEVLEC and can support the project throughout drilling and the subsequent development of the geothermal resource,’ he added.

The inspection was conducted by Scotia Drilling Consultants, a UK-based specialist in drilling-rig inspections and technical assessments. Its review covers the rig’s structural, mechanical, operational and safety systems.

The project is being led by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), with NEVLEC serving as the executing agency, and with support from the St. Kitts and Nevis government. The project is also supported by key development financing partners, including the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and Green Climate Fund (GCF).

‘This partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing Nevis’ indigenous geothermal resource in a manner that strengthens energy security, reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, and supports a more resilient and sustainable energy future for Nevis and the wider Federation,’ NEVLEC said.

The statement said that during the visit to Iceland, the two NEVLEC officials visited ON Power’s Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant, which has an installed electrical capacity of approximately 303 MW and is recognised as the largest geothermal power plant in Europe. ‘The visit provided an opportunity to examine the operation of a large-scale geothermal facility and gain insight into geothermal wells, steam-field infrastructure, power generation, reinjection and long-term resource management.’

It said that the delegation also visited an active geothermal drilling site in the Hellisheiði area, where IDC is undertaking drilling to a planned depth of approximately 2,400 metres.

‘A further capacity-building engagement was held with the GRÓ Geothermal Training Programme (GRÓ GTP), where discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen geothermal knowledge and technical capacity in Nevis. Among the initiatives discussed was the development of a free two-day ‘Geothermal 101’ introductory course for NEVLEC staff, government officials and other relevant stakeholders.

‘The delegation also discussed the identification and nomination of a suitable candidate to participate in the six-month GRÓ GTP fellowship programme in Iceland, providing an opportunity for more specialized training and long-term institutional capacity development,’ the statement said.

The Bermuda government is urging parents with students to have them registered with the Bermuda Student Asthma Registry after a survey last year showed that 29 students were admitted to the hospital for asthma-related concerns.

In addition, 22 per cent or one in five reported experiencing an asthma attack during the year.

Asthma is a common long-term lung disease that causes inflammation, excess mucus and tightening of the muscles around the airways making it hard to breath. The Ministries of Health and Education said the online registry supports local asthma healthcare providers by helping them track students with asthma and ensure appropriate support is in place throughout the school year.

‘Each September, we ask parents to take a few minutes to update their child’s information so we can give every student with asthma the very best support. A child’s health needs can change, and registering each year ensures our asthma specialists have the most accurate, up to date details,’ said Health Minister, Kim Wilson, in emphasising the importance of annual registration .

‘When we work together, we can help our students enjoy a healthy, confident, and active school year.’

The registry is a collaborative initiative of the Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) Asthma Education Centre, and Open Airways, a Bermuda-registered charity. All information submitted is held in strict confidence.

‘We want every student to feel confident and supported throughout the school year, and that includes making sure children with asthma have what they need to stay healthy and fully engaged in learning,’ said Education Minister, Diallo Rabain.

‘By registering, parents help us create safer, more responsive school environments where every child can thrive,’ he added.

According to the findings of the 2025/26 Student Asthma Registry, 57 per cent of students with asthma missed school days and that 43 per cent of students were either using their spacer incorrectly or did not have one. Spacers help medication work more effectively and with fewer side effects.

The survey found that while 67 per cent of students believed their asthma was ‘well-controlled,’ more than half of those students still missed school, a clear sign their asthma was not well-controlled.

Only 39 per cent of all students surveyed actually had well-controlled asthma.

‘Our collaborative team of health providers is working with the primary aim of ensuring every child with asthma receives the proper guidance and assistance they need to have a healthy and successful school year,’ said Asthma and COPD Educator, Nicola MacDougall, from Open Airways.

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin was among guests attending the unveiling of a community mural in the Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala.

The mural was created created by young people from the Zone to promote a culture of peace and the environmental protection of the Mopan River. The ceremony was also attended by Belize Foreign Affairs MInister, Francis Fonseca, and his Guatemalan counterpart, Carlos Ramiro Martínez Alvarado. The Adjacency Zone between Belize and Guatemala is a territorial strip 213 kilometers long and two kilometers wide and was established in 2000 as a key confidence-building measure to preserve stability, dialogue, and peace during the process to resolve the territorial dispute between the two countries.

Through the Office of the General Secretariat in the Adjacency Zone, the OAS maintains a continuous presence dedicated to preventive diplomacy, security, and social development.

The OAS said that the mural is the result of the artistic project developed within the framework of the binational youth communication programme ‘La Zona / The Zone’ and its innovation laboratory, ‘La Zona Lab,’ implemented by the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.

It said that the initiative brought together 17 young participants and encompassed the assessment of local problems, the collaborative design, and the painting of the mural, integrating cultural and natural elements representative of the communities of Benque Viejo and Arenal.

During his address to the ceremony, Ramdin highlighted how art, youth, and the presence of the OAS on the ground transform coexistence and build a lasting culture of peace between the two countries.

‘Community development is fundamental. If it is only about negotiations and dialogue, it is not enough; people want to see this result in an improvement in their lives. Involving young people in a peace process is critical. Ownership is needed at that level,’ h

‘This is the best way to guarantee peace and collaboration between both sides. The value lies in the sustainability of this process for the consolidation of peace,’ he added.

Belize and Guatemala have a long-standing territorial dispute with Guatemala claiming more than 11,000 square kilometers of Belizean land, islands and maritime areas.

In March 2000, Belize and Guatemala resumed discussions on their territorial dispute with the assistance of the OAS and on November 8, 2000, they signed the first Agreement on Confidence Building Measures, establishing an ‘Adjacency Line’ and a one-kilometer ‘Adjacency Zone’ on either side.