Category: CANA News

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) is mourning veteran broadcaster and journalist Dervan Malcolm, who died Thursday following a period of illness.

Malcolm who began his broadcasting career in 1993 while still in high school, was a news presenter and editor, sportscaster, talk show producer and executive producer.

PAJ President Dashan Hendricks said Malcolm represented the best of Jamaican broadcasting and journalism, describing his death as a significant loss to the profession.

The PAJ has extended condolences to Malcolm’s family, friends, colleagues and the many people who were touched by his work.

The association said while his voice may be silent, his contribution to Jamaican journalism and public service will not be forgotten.

Members of the political directorate have also expressed sadness at the death of broadcaster Dervan Malcolm.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness said for more than 30 years Jamaicans listened to his calm, distinct and trusted voice.

‘Through his work at Power 106 and especially his programme, Both Sides of the Story, Malcolm created space for meaningful conversations on the issues that mattered to Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora.’

He said the broadcaster was a consummate communicator who used his platform to inform, educate and empower and Jamaica has lost a respected broadcaster and a distinctive voice whose contribution will not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, Opposition Spokesperson on Culture, Creative Industries and Information, Nekeisha Burchell described Malcolm as a super talent and a master of the broadcast craft.

‘He was blessed with that awful silky voice, but what made him special went far beyond the sound of his voice. He was poised, controlled and completely unruffled behind the microphone. He had a signature style that was unmistakably his own. From his early years at Power 106, where he began while still a student and Head Boy at Calabar High School, Dervan became part of that pioneering generation which helped to shape the character of the station under his general manager Newton James,’ she remembered.

Burchell also commended his fairness, authenticity and respect for his audience, which she said were as central to his legacy as his technical brilliance.

The Jamaica Kingsmen elected to field after winning the toss against the Trinbago Knight Riders in the 20th match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at the Queen’s Park Oval here on Saturday.

SQUADS

JAMAICA KINGSMEN: Rovman Powell (captain), Maaz Sadaqat, Kirk McKenzie, Saim Ayub, Keacy Carty, Usman Khan, Keemo Paul, Odean Smith, Vitel Lawes, Jediah Blades, Hunain Shah.

TRINBAGO KNIGHT RIDERS: Nicholas Pooran (captain), Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Sunil Narine, Matthew Tromp, Kieron Pollard, Jyd Goolie, Dominic Drakes, Akeal Hosein, Abdul Raheem Toppin, Usman Tariq.

Umpires: Deighton Butler, Ryan Banwarie.

TV Umpire: Christopher Taylor.

Reserve Umpire: Leslie Reifer.

Match Referee: Denovan Hayles

A court has ordered Stingray Tours to pay more than CI$90,000 to workers who were denied paid vacation and sick leave after being classified as independent contractors.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions brought the case earlier this year on behalf of the Department of Labour and Pensions (DLP), following complaints from workers who had provided services to the tour operator for more than a decade.

Stingray Tours maintained that the workers were engaged on a commission basis and were not full-time employees entitled to paid vacation or sick leave under the Labour Act.

However, after considering evidence from both sides, the court ruled that the nature and duration of the workers’ relationship with the company established that they were employees, regardless of how they were paid.

The company was ordered to comply with the legislation and pay the affected workers CI$86,230 in vacation pay and CI$4,080 in sick leave pay.

The DLP said it is also continuing an investigation into allegations of unpaid pension contributions.

However, Cayman News Service reported that sources connected to the case said a final determination regarding compensation had not yet been made. The news outlet said it had submitted questions to the relevant ministry and was awaiting a response.

In a statement, the DLP said it would continue enforcing the Labour Act and taking action against employers who fail to ensure workers receive their legally mandated benefits.

‘This case sends a clear message that companies are on notice,’ Immigration Minister Michael Myles said.

‘The Labour Act must be respected and complied with. Employers cannot simply structure working arrangements in a particular way to avoid their legal responsibilities or deprive workers of statutory rights and protections.’

Myles also praised the DLP team for its investigation, which he said resulted in a successful prosecution and a significant outcome for the affected workers

Acute malnutrition among children in Haiti has increased since 2023, according to preliminary findings of the 2026 SMART National Nutrition Survey released on Friday.

The survey found that the prevalence of global acute malnutrition among children aged six to 59 months rose from 5.1 per cent in 2023 to 7.4 per cent in 2026. Global acute malnutrition includes moderate and severe wasting, as well as nutritional oedema.

The findings come amid persistent insecurity, economic hardship and growing humanitarian needs that continue to limit families’ access to nutritious food, healthcare and nutrition services.

‘These results come against a backdrop of persistent insecurity, economic hardship, and humanitarian needs that continue to limit families’ access to adequate nutritious food, healthcare, and nutrition services,’ said Yannig Dussart, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Haiti.

‘Preventing and treating malnutrition in Haiti requires urgent action and attention from stakeholders and relevant actors to ensure children have access to the life-saving services they need,’ Dussart added.

Acute malnutrition occurs when children do not receive sufficient nutritious food or suffer repeated illnesses and can quickly become life-threatening without prompt treatment. Children suffering from severe acute malnutrition are particularly vulnerable, especially when their condition is compounded by illness and limited access to medical care.

UNICEF said that between 2023 and 2025, serious violations of children’s rights, including the denial of humanitarian access and attacks on schools and hospitals providing nutrition services, tripled.

Despite the increase in acute malnutrition, the survey also showed improvements in several other nutrition indicators.

The prevalence of chronic malnutrition, or stunting, among children under five declined from 22.8 per cent in 2023 to 17.3 per cent in 2026.

Early initiation of breastfeeding increased from 48 per cent to 68 per cent over the same period, while exclusive breastfeeding rose from 17.5 per cent to 33 per cent.

UNICEF and its partners are working with the Ministry of Public Health to expand the screening and treatment of malnourished children, including through community health workers and mobile teams operating in hard-to-reach and insecure communities.

A more comprehensive analysis of the survey findings, combined with an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for Acute Malnutrition (IPC-AMN), is expected next month and will help guide Haiti’s humanitarian and development response.

Meanwhile, UNICEF is appealing for increased support to address a funding gap of more than 64 per cent for nutrition interventions under its 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal.

The United Nations agency said adequate funding would enable it and its partners to expand life-saving nutrition services and provide care and support to children most at risk.

Belize and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have signed an agreement for an ‘ambitious initiative’ aimed at strengthening Belize’s capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters.

A government statement said that over the next four years, the Belize Multi-Hazard Risk Management Capacity Building Project, which it described as an ‘ambitious initiative’ will empower government to better anticipate and respond to disasters, enhancing hazard monitoring, forecasting, early warning, and emergency response.

‘By zeroing in on critical challenges like flood and wildfire management, and fostering strong partnerships among organizations such as the National Emergency Management Organization, the National Meteorological Service, the National Hydrological Service, and the Forest Department, the project aims to safeguard communities, preserve natural resources, and protect vital infrastructure.’

The government said that the initiative has since been formalised after Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise Minister, Henry Charles Usher, Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Solid Waste Management Minister, Orlando Habet, and Taiwan’s Ambassador to Belize, Amino Chi, signed the joint Memorandum of Understanding.

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) is providing technical and operational support to Antigua and Barbuda as the country moves towards implementing a Passenger Name Record (PNR) Framework.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration Minister, E. Paul Chet Greene, has since updated the Cabinet on the progress of the PNR, according to a statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting.

It said that CARICOM IMPACS has welcomed Antigua and Barbuda’s enactment of the legislation, describing it as an important step towards strengthening national and regional capacity to combat transnational crime and improve border security through more effective passenger risk assessment.

Under the proposed arrangement, Antigua and Barbuda will be provided access to CARICOM IMPACS’ regional PNR solution, which facilitates the secure collection, processing and analysis of passenger information for risk-assessment purposes.

The regional system is intended to allow participating authorities to better identify potential risks while ensuring that passenger information is handled in accordance with national legislation and applicable data-protection requirements.

Cabinet was also advised that the initiative will support the establishment and operationalisation of Antigua and Barbuda’s Passenger Information Unit (PIU).

‘CARICOM IMPACS will provide assistance with the development of policies, procedures, governance arrangements and operational protocols required for the effective functioning of the Unit.

‘Importantly, specialised training will be provided to officers assigned to the Passenger Information Unit in areas including passenger risk analysis, intelligence development, PNR processing and data-protection requirements. Ongoing technical assistance will also be provided to ensure the sustainability of the national system,’ the statement noted.

Greene told Cabinet that the regional approach will allow Antigua and Barbuda to utilise existing CARICOM security infrastructure and expertise while benefiting from economies of scale.

He said this will avoid the considerably greater costs that would be associated with independently acquiring, operating and maintaining a standalone national PNR system.

‘Cabinet welcomed the initiative and agreed to proceed with the proposed arrangement with CARICOM IMPACS. The appropriate written confirmation will be provided, allowing the administrative, technical and implementation processes to move forward.’

The statement said that following formal confirmation, CARICOM IMPACS and the relevant national authorities will meet to finalise implementation arrangements, technical requirements, respective responsibilities and a proposed timeline for bringing the system into operation.

‘Cabinet noted that the implementation of the Passenger Name Record Framework forms part of the Government’s continuing efforts to modernise border management, strengthen national security and deepen security cooperation with CARICOM institutions and regional partners.’

Saim Ayub’s maiden T20 century proved to be instrumental in the Jamaica Kingsmen’s 11-run win over the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, which helped to continue their resurgence in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here on Thursday.

Player-of-the-Match Ayub smashed eight sixes and six fours in his match-winning knock of 102 off 58 balls, the backbone of the visitors’ total of 182 for seven in 20 overs after they were sent in at Warner Park.

The Patriots, who were behind the eight ball in their run chase for the majority of the match, made a late surge at the end but fell just short on 171 for six. It was their fourth loss in five games and left them firmly rooted at the bottom of the points table.

Meanwhile, after beginning the tournament on a three-game losing streak, the Kingsmen have won three of their last four matches and sit in fourth position on six points from their seven matches.

It didn’t look as though the Kingsmen would get up to their eventual target after pacer Naseem Shah removed openers Keacy Carty and Maaz Sadaqat cheaply to leave them in early trouble at 12 for two.

Spinner Wanindu Hasaranga then held on to a good return catch to dismiss Kirk McKenzie for 10, with the bowler then pulling off a spectacular catch diving to his left at cover off the bowling of Obed McCoy to account for the wicket of Usman Khan and make the score 63 for four after nine overs.

However, Ayub teamed up with skipper Rovman Powell to add 72 runs for the fifth wicket and transform the Kingsmen’s innings.

Ayub was 37 by the time Powell came to the crease and he subsequently brought up his half century off 36 balls by thumping Waqar Salamkheil for six over midwicket in the 14th over, which also included two other maximums.

But just as they were looking to accelerate Hasaranga returned to have Powell caught at deep midwicket for 21.

Ayub continued to push on, moving into the 90s with an exquisite cover drive off Shah, before reaching his first-ever CPL century off 57 balls by hitting McCoy out of the ground for another six.

McCoy dismissed him with the very next delivery by having him caught at deep midwicket, but Keemo Paul smashed an unbeaten 25 off 13 balls to ensure the Kingsmen finished with a bang.

Hasaranga finished with 2-18, Shah took 2-35 and McCoy claimed 2-43.

The Patriots’ new-look opening pair of Johnson Charles and Kyle Mayers added just 10 runs before Jediah Blades dismissed the latter for eight with 10 runs on the board.

Charles struggled in his 14 off 17 balls before Paul sent him packing and when Blades had Kevin Wickham caught for one, the home side had slipped to 42 for three in the sixth over.

The match seemed all but over when Shah bowled Mikyle Louis for nine to make it 64 for four in the 11th over.

Andre Fletcher kept the Patriots in the game with a well-played knock of 55 from 38 balls that contained four fours and three sixes and after he was dismissed by Ayub, skipper Jason Holder and Dasun Shanaka combined to give the Patriots an outside chance of victory.

But Shah bowled Holder for 34 with 33 runs still required from eight balls and even though Shanaka tried his best by clobbering Odean Smith for three sixes in the final over, it proved not to be enough to get his side over the line.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBB) says Allied Bank and Trust Bahamas is not a licensed entity and is warning members of the public to be on their guard.

The CBB said that the entity with possible aliases or affiliates is ‘falsely claiming to be licensed by the Central Bank’

It said that other entities, namely Allied Bank and Trust Bahamas, Allied Bank and Trust Limited, Allied Fund Services Limited, Allied Investment Advisors Limited, Allied Securities Ltd and Alliance Bank and Trust Limited are also ‘not licensed to conduct banking business in The Bahamas.

‘Any company seeking to conduct banking and trust business must be appropriately licensed by the Central Bank. The public is hereby notified that all persons operating without the required license or registration are to immediately cease and desist operating.’

The CBB said that it can take punitive measures for any entity operating without the relevant license or registration, pursuant to the Central Bank of The Bahamas Act, 2020 and that the list of institutions licensed and registered by the Central Bank can be accessed by visiting the bank’s website.

‘Persons seeking to conduct business with a financial institution or service provider claiming to operate within The Bahamas should independently verify the entity’s regulatory status before engaging in transactions.

‘If you believe that you have been contacted by a fraudulent entity, or have already invested funds in or through such an entity, please report the incident to the Financial Crimes Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force,’ the CBB added.

Tourism Minister Dr. Kishore Shallow says the St. Vincent and the Grenadines owes the US-based airline, JetBlue, more than EC$10 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) as a result of an agreement entered into by the last administration.

Shallow made the disclosure in Parliament as he responded to a question from opposition legislator Keisal Peters, who had question the decision by another US-based airline, Delta Air Lines, to end its non-stop service between Atlanta and Argyle International Airport in September 2026.

While he did not provide a breakdown of the debt owed to the airline, Shallow said that the outstanding money was among financial liabilities inherited by the New Democratic Party (NDP) government when it came into office in November last year.

‘JetBlue, for example, [is a] very important airline to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We entered in an agreement … and from 2024 to when you demitted office, you refused to pay your bill, resulting in us owing that airline over $10 million today,’ Shallow told Peters, criticising also the manner in which the agreement was negotiated.

He said he did not know who represented the government in the talks but that no professional organisation or consultant had been involved.

Shallow said government officials held two meetings with Delta – on May 19 and July 31 – before the carrier’s announcement that it was ending its non stop service next month.

He said Delta cited passenger demand falling short of projections, elevated fuel costs and weaker demand for premium travel as factors in its decision. But he said that the airline has indicated a willingness to consider resuming some level of service for the next winter season.

Delta began servicing the route on December 20, 2025, with a plan for 22 flights per month, Shallow said, describing as ‘ambitious’ the schedule when compared with other carriers operating fewer monthly flights.

Shallow said Delta’s average arriving passenger load rose from 64 passengers in its first three months of service to 117 passengers over the most recent three-month period and that JetBlue’s average arriving passenger count also grew, from 114 in the first three months of the government’s term to 140 in the most recent three months.

Shallow said that the figures showed growth in visitor traffic, while maintaining that the Godwin Friday government was working to strengthen the destination’s tourism and aviation position.

He said the government is restructuring the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, including appointing Shafia London as the new chief executive officer, and creating senior roles in commercial development, marketing, tourism product and experience, quality intelligence and strategy, and internal operations.

Shallow also said the government had started re-engaging existing airlines and was in discussions with two potential new carriers, acknowledging that the airlines had also concerned about the availability of hotel rooms which the government is seeking to address.

Swallow told legislators he is confident that St. Vincent and the Grenadines would secure at least five major brand-name hotels within the government’s first two five-year terms in office.

The Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) says samples of a dead manatee have been sent overseas for testing after having received last Friday of a dead manatee.

‘Manatees are not native to Bermuda, and it remains unclear how the animal travelled approximately 1,000 miles beyond its normal range. The open-ocean journey, combined with limited access locally to its primary food source and fresh water, may have contributed to its poor condition,’ the BAMZ said in a statement.

It said that it had first received a report of the dead manatee on August 21 and it is believed to be the same manatee reported in several sightings throughout the month.

‘BAMZ and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) received eight reported sightings over a two-week period and coordinated their response using information from the public while consulting overseas experts on options to assist the animal.’

It said that following the initial sighting on August 5, staff conducted searches by boat and drone over two consecutive days and ‘when those searches did not locate the animal, the team continued monitoring reports from the public and responded to sightings where possible’.

The BAMZ said that manatees can be difficult to detect from the surface because of their slow movement, colouration and limited time above water.

It said that the carcass was recovered and transported to a secure location for a post-mortem examination. Initial findings confirmed the manatee was male and severely emaciated.

‘A healthy adult manatee can weigh around 1,000 lbs; this animal weighed approximately 550 lbs. A definitive cause of death cannot be determined until samples sent overseas for testing have been analysed,’ the BAMZ added.