Category: CANA News

For 22 young women chasing West Indies glory, the path to cricketing excellence runs through more than just the nets.

Cricket West Indies’ High-Performance Camp, held in Antigua following the 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship, has pushed beyond traditional coaching boundaries.

While technical drills and physical conditioning formed the backbone of the two-week programme, organisers placed equal weight on forging the complete athlete, mind, voice, and character.

The camp, which serves as a critical stepping stone toward the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, featured specialised sessions on mental resilience, media engagement, and leadership.

Players explored the psychological landscape of elite sport, navigating pressure, sharpening focus, and building the confidence required to thrive on the world stage.

They also stepped into the spotlight through practical media training, facing simulated interviews that challenged them to articulate their experiences with poise.

The exercise aimed to prepare these rising stars not only for press conferences but for their broader responsibilities as ambassadors of West Indies cricket.

Dwain Gill, CWI High-Performance Manager, emphasised that the initiative was about more than runs and wickets.

‘Our responsibility is to develop young people who understand what it means to operate in a high-performance environment and represent West Indies cricket,’ Gill said.

‘These sessions were an important part of this camp. We want to equip these players, many of whom are potentially moving towards an international stage, with the tools, confidence, and awareness they need to navigate that journey successfully.’

The players also connected directly with CWI leadership, including CEO Chris Dehring, who sat down to hear their stories and aspirations.

‘It was important to spend time with these young women, hear their journeys, and understand what is needed from us as an organisation,’ Dehring said.

‘Their enthusiasm and determination, despite some very challenging domestic circumstances, was inspirational.

We are committed to giving them the support, facilities, and pathways needed to develop and perform at the highest level.’

For the 22 Rising Stars, the Antigua experience was about more than preparing for a World Cup. It was about understanding their place in the future of West Indies cricket, and leaving equipped with the knowledge and professional awareness to take the next step.

Trinidad and Tobago is celebrating its 64th anniversary of independence on Monday with Police Commissioner, Allister Guevarro, telling citizens the threats to disrupt the celebrations are low and that they should not worry about the series of bomb threats made over the past few days.

Among the activities planned for the anniversary is the traditional military parade at the Queens Park Savannah on the outskirts of the capital.

‘To the unpatriotic, cowardice keyboard warrior who perpetrated this current set of hoaxes, all I will say to you is that time is longer than twine, and be mindful of the vengeance of Moko,’ Guevarro said in a broadcast on the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) website.

‘As Commissioner of Police, I call upon the national community to stand united against such reckless conduct. These hoax threats are not a joke. They are an attack on our courts, our institutions, and our people.’

The Trinbago Knight Riders elected to field after winning the toss against the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 22nd match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at the Queen’s Park Oval here on Monday.

SQUADS

Trinbago Knight Riders: Colin Munro, Sunil Narine, Alex Hales, Nicholas Pooran (capt), Joshua Da Silva (wk), Justin Greaves, Jyd Goolie, Dominic Drakes, Akeal Hosein, Lahiru Kumara, Usman Tariq

Guyana Amazon Warriors: Glenn Phillips, Matthew Nandu, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Mohammad Nabi, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Joseph, Dwaine Pretorius, Khary Pierre, Imran Tahir (capt)

Umpires: Christopher Taylor, Leslie Reifer.

The Grenada government says schools will re-open on Monday saying it had take note of a public notice issued by the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) concerning the commencement of the 2026-2027 academic year.

In a statement, the ministry said that the GUT communication may create uncertainty among parents, students, teachers, and the wider public, particularly as the official reopening date has already been communicated. ‘For the avoidance of doubt, schools will reopen for students on Monday, 31 August 2026. This remains the official reopening date communicated by the Ministry of Education,’ the ministry said, adding that ‘this decision was taken after careful consideration of the relevant provisions of the Education Act, the prescribed vacation periods, the school calendar, and the public interest, including the importance of maximising instructional contact time for students.

But the GUT contends that the Education Act defines the academic year as running from September 1 to August 31, and in a public notice said that the 2026-2027 academic year therefore begins on Tuesday, urging the members of the public to be guided accordingly.

‘The academic year, there is a fixed date. So the academic year starts from September 1st every year. The academic year starts September 1st every year and it ends on August 31st, and so this pronouncement by the Minister of Education and the Ministry of Education to start school the new academic year on August 31st is really and truly starting school on the very last day of the previous or old academic year,’ said GUT President, Jude Bartholomew.

‘So what the Minister has done really and truly is to break the law,’ he told a news conference, adding that the law is ‘very very clear and sets out the standards and the law is very clear as when the academic year begins and when it ends.

‘Section 39 of the Act gives some latitude, yes, to the Minister for Education as it relates to vacation…yes, he has some latitude there because for the vacation is not really and truly latitude what is not spelt out in the Act, in the Education Act and in law.

‘So he has some little latitude there in case something happened, in case there is an emergency, in case there is a storm, in case there is a hurricane, in the effect of something like COVID and yes, he can wiggle room around the vacation time but he cannot interfere, he cannot interfere or touch the academic year which is stated in law and clearly stated in the Education Act which is from the 4th of September to the 31st of August every year,’ Bartholomew said.

He said that the situation does not only apply to Grenada, adding ‘so we want parents to know that we’re not fighting, teachers are not fighting for extended vacation and such and that teachers don’t want to return to work and everything like that

‘So that is really, really and truly further from the truth. We want to make it very clear this morning to our parents and to the students and the citizens of Grenada, Carriacou and petite Martinique that it is unquestionable, no doubt in your mind, that teachers love your children and teachers love the nation’s children.’

In its statement, the ministry said it is mindful of the definition of ‘academic year’ contained in the Education Act, adding ‘importantly, the interpretation provisions of the act are expressly qualified by the words, ‘unless the context otherwise requires.’

‘The ministry therefore considers that the provisions of the act must be read together and in their proper context, including those relating to school terms, vacation periods, and the administration of the education system. The statutory definition of the academic year should not, by itself, be construed as determining the date on which schools may officially reopen following the prescribed vacation period.’

The government said that it respects the right of the GUT ‘to express its views and advocate on behalf of its membership.

‘However, such advocacy must not be confused with the authority to determine or announce the official commencement of school. That authority rests with the Ministry of Education and the minister responsible for education, acting within the powers provided by law. The ministry is responsible for the administration of the public education system and for the official determination and communication of the school calendar and reopening dates.’

The ministry said that it is urging parents, students, teachers, and members of the public ‘ to be guided by official communications’ and is looking ‘forward to the cooperation of all stakeholders as we work together to ensure an orderly reopening of schools and maintain a continued focus on the education and well-being of the nation’s children’.

The Guyana Amazon reached 185 for five in 16 overs after being sent in by the Trinbago Knight Riders in the rain affected 22nd match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at the Queen’s Park Oval here on Monday.

GUYANA AMAZON WARRIORS 185-5 in 16 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 111 not out, Romario Shepherd 27 not out; Akeal Hosein 1-11, Sunil Narine 1-25, Lahiru Kumara 1-55)

A former opposition legislator is throwing his support behind Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, as the Caribbean’s candidate for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations.

Jermaine Figueira, who served as an opposition legislator during the period 2020-25, says the diplomat is a ‘compelling voice for the Global South’ and is the right person for guiding the global institution at this time.

‘Most will agree and accept that there are moments when the achievement of one citizen becomes bigger than politics, party, ethnicity or government. Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s increasingly competitive candidacy for Secretary-General of the United Nations is such a moment. ‘She is no longer simply participating in this historic contest; she is demonstrating that she belongs among its strongest contenders. Her performance in the selection process and her standing in the Security Council straw polls should give every Guyanese tremendous pride and should cause countries throughout the developing world to examine seriously what her leadership could mean for them.

‘This is not an argument that she should be supported merely because she comes from Guyana, the Caribbean or the Global South. She should be supported because she is qualified,’ Figueira said.

The formal recommendation and final vote to choose the next UN Secretary-General to replace Antonio Guterres are expected to take place in September or October this year, when the General Assembly appoints the successful candidate upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

The successful candidate will succeed Guterres and begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027.

In the race to succeed Guterres, Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan won the first informal UN Security Council straw poll on July 30, 2026, while Ambassador Rodrigues- Birkett took first place in the second straw poll held on August 21.

Figueira said that Rodrigues-Birkett’s journey from the Indigenous Lokono community of Santa Rosa, through service as Minister of Amerindian Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to representing Guyana at the United Nations ‘is an extraordinary testament to ability, perseverance and public service.

‘More importantly, that journey has given her an understanding of governance, diplomacy and an intimate understanding of development from the community level to the highest chambers of international decision-making,’ he said, adding that ‘her candidacy therefore carries particular significance for South America, Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and the wider developing world’.

Figueira said that for too long, developing countries have ‘correctly argued that international institutions must become more representative of the world they serve.

‘Nations of the Global South confront enormous challenges, climate vulnerability, debt, food insecurity, unequal access to financing, poverty, conflict and persistent inequalities within the international economic system yet their influence over global decision-making has not always reflected their numbers or their importance.’

Figueira said that Rodrigues-Birkett understands these realities because she comes from them.

‘Her vision of a stronger United Nations emphasizes effective multilateralism, institutional reform, preventive diplomacy, development financing and greater responsiveness to developing countries. These are not peripheral issues. They are central to whether the United Nations can remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.

‘Her candidacy should therefore provide a natural point of convergence for the Global South.

For CARICOM, the case is especially compelling. The Caribbean has contributed enormously to international diplomacy while never having produced a United Nations Secretary-General. ‘

Figueira said small states understand perhaps better than most that international law and multilateral institutions are not abstract concepts and that ‘they are essential safeguards in a world where economic and military power remain profoundly unequal.

‘For Latin America and South America, supporting Rodrigues-Birkett would strengthen the hemisphere’s opportunity to provide consequential leadership at a moment when the international system requires bridge-builders rather than greater polarization.

‘Africa, too, should see in her candidacy a partner who understands many of the developmental challenges shared across the Global South and who appreciates the legitimate demand for a more equitable international order and the need for a permanent seat on the security council.’

Figueira said that there is also profound symbolism in her candidacy.

‘An Indigenous woman from a small Caribbean and South American developing country standing within reach of becoming Secretary-General represents something powerful about what the United Nations ought to embody: that geography, gender, ethnicity and the size or wealth of one’s country should never determine the limits of human possibility.’

Trinidad and Tobago Monday celebrated its 64th anniversary of political independence from Britain with contrasting statements from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles.

In her congratulatory message, Persad-Bissessar, the firat woman ever to lead a government in Trinidad and Tobago said that the population should stop blaming its problems on its colonial past arguing that after 64 years, the country should not avoid taking responsibility for its current challenges.

‘It’s time we grow up and stop blaming our problems on our colonial past to escape accepting responsibility for bad decisions we made post Independence that have resulted in negative consequences for ourselves and our nation,’ she said.

Persad-Bissessar said the country needed to confront ‘our post-Independence history with honesty and acknowledge that we should have done much better over the past 64 years’ noting that Trinidad and Tobago had entered Independence in 1962 with a strong economic and institutional foundation inherited from Britain.

She pointed to the country’s per capita income at the time, saying it was higher than that of several countries, including Japan, Chile, Greece, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Portugal, Mexico, Turkey, Iraq, Brazil, Malaysia, Iran, Morocco, Taiwan and China.

‘Almost all of these countries have now superseded us,’ she said, adding that when the twin island gained its independence, it had also inherited a well-organised legal and governance structure, an advanced oil exploration and refining industry, an expansive agricultural sector and a developed railway system.

‘The fact is that the British left us a very prosperous functioning country in 1962,’ Persad-Bissessar said.

But Beckles, who is the first woman to head the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said Persad-Bissessar is ‘divorced from history’ and was attempting to ‘rewrite the history of our nation.

‘Trinidad and Tobago’s journey to Independence, and our development thereafter, cannot be reduced to a politically convenient version of history that serves whichever audience she is addressing.

‘The Prime Minister is wrong to present our colonial inheritance without acknowledging the profound inequalities and social conditions that existed at Independence. Equally, she is wrong to recast our post-Independence history as a partisan struggle,’ Beckles said in her independence message.

‘Our history is more substantial than that, and our nation deserves better. It is therefore no surprise that a Prime Minister who appears unwilling to properly acknowledge the historical place of Dr. Eric Williams as the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago would now offer such a distorted account of the history of our Independence.

‘A Prime Minister who cannot speak honestly about our history cannot credibly lead the nation forward,’ Beckles said, condemning also the ‘insensitive’ statement by Persad-Bissessar to supporters of her ruling United National Congress (UNC) that ‘they do not crawl on your belly for anyone. It’s either peace or total war, nothing in between’.

Persad-Bissessar said that the party’s membership ‘was born of people mired in poverty who, at times, survived on salt and rice, while drinking water from ponds and springs. Sometimes eating one meal a day to make the sacrifices needed to educate us in cowsheds and church annexes.

‘They fetched water in box carts and bull carts, used flambeaus for light, had no healthcare, possessed one outfit of clothes for going out, and usually had to walk or ride a bicycle for miles in the sun or rain to reach any government service. They were objects of ridicule and hatred in this country for years under the PNM, post-1962 Independence.

‘We must keep working for our sons and daughters to qualify themselves to have better lives than ours. We must never stop learning, working and improving. You must strive to be owners and entrepreneurs, not simply satisfied with being workers or living on state welfare,’ said Persad-Bissessar, who has led the UNC since January 2010.

Beckles said she was taking the opportunity to condemn both independence addresses by the prime minister ‘as insensitive, divorced from reality, and devoid of any distinction between party politics and the responsibilities of national leadership.

On the occasion of our 64th Independence anniversary, the Prime Minister chose to address the UNC before addressing the nation, using a moment that belongs to all citizens to promote a partisan narrative of grievance and division. That is not the conduct of a Prime Minister seeking to unite a country’.

She said Trinidad and Tobago’s journey to Independence, ‘and our development thereafter, cannot be reduced to a politically convenient version of history that serves whichever audience she is addressing’.

Guyana’s two main opposition parties have failed to reach agreement on a number of issues following a first round of talks here nearly one week ago, according to a joint statement issued here.

The two parties met on August 24.

Opposition Leader and head of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) led a delegation that held talks with officials from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), headed by Aubrey Norton and, who is also the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) ‘to discuss matters of mutual concern and the prospects for greater political cooperation in the interest of the people of Guyana’.

But according to the joint statement the genesis of the meeting was the matters in letters being traded between the parties, namely those relating to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), including the appointment of Commissioners and the issue of electoral scrutineers as well as the ongoing impasse affecting the functioning of the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council and the nominations to the Local Government Commission.

‘The meeting was cordial and provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on developing general and specific guidelines to govern the engagement between the parties.’

The joint statement noted that the ‘parties committed that, in the case of WIN, they will hold consultations with their leadership/membership before they decide whether they would agree to name a three-member team to work along with a three-member team from APNU to develop the general and specific guidelines to govern their engagement with APNU.

‘In APNU’s case, it will consult with other parties in its coalition to select a three-member team,’ the statement said, adding ‘no final decisions were taken on the substantive matters discussed at the meeting’.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has been flown overseas to an undisclosed destination for medical treatment after being hospitalised on Sunday, acting Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley said in a nationwide broadcast on Monday night.

A government statement had earlier indicated that the 49-year-old Prime Minister had become ‘ ill and was admitted to the Joseph N. France General Hospital on the evening of Sunday, August 30, 2026’ and that he remains in stable condition. ‘I wish to reassure every clinician and division, our Prime Minister is in good spirits. His leadership team remains unified and focused, and the business of the government and the nation continues without interruption,’ Hanley said, noting that he had held discussions with the prime minister.

‘Across our islands, in our homes, workplaces, communities, and throughout our diaspora, I know that news regarding the health of our head of government naturally brings about a sense of deep concern, care, and curiosity. It is for this reason that I step forward this evening to provide you with a direct, transparent, and measured update.’

He said that prior to his departure, Prime Minister Drew summoned and spoke directly with members of the Cabinet and ‘I am pleased to share with you that it was a very cheerful exchange. He was upbeat, alert, and expressed his continued dedication to the work of the people’.

While he did not disclose the destination of Prime Minister Drew, himself a medical practitioner, the acting Prime Minister said that he ‘has travelled abroad to meet with an awaiting team of medical specialists.

‘Upon his arrival, he will be seen and evaluated immediately by these physicians. To ensure the highest standard and continuity of care, these specialists are working in direct liaison with his local medical team right here in St. Kitts and Nevis.

‘Together, they will conduct a thorough medical assessment and establish a tailored remedy of care to address whatever health issues have arisen. Out of an abundance of caution and under medical guidance, the Prime Minister will be taking a brief leave of absence to dedicate the necessary time to his recovery. We want to be entirely clear with the nation.’

The acting Prime Minister said that until the government receives ‘the complete formal report from his medical team abroad, we do not wish to engage in speculation, nor should anyone in our communities.

‘We remain grounded in the facts, transparency, and patience. We anticipate that by 9.30 pm (local time) tonight, the Cabinet Secretariat will issue a follow-up update detailing his arrival, his admittance to the medical facility, and the initial assessment from his attending physicians.’

Hanley said that the government will ensure that ‘the citizens and residents whom he serves, remain fully updated every step of the way’ adding that during the discussions with Prime MInister Drew he made ‘one request very clear to myself and the entire Cabinet. Business in St. Kitts and Nevis must be conducted as normal.

‘In fact, he has explicitly instructed that there be no major disruption to the social, civic, or economic activity of our nation. The machinery of the state will remain robust, stable, and fully functional.’

Hanley said that as Deputy Prime Minister, he has assumed responsibility for the daily operations of the executive, adding ‘we are fully focused on keeping our national development agenda moving forward without hesitation or delay’.

He said that in times like these, ‘the true character of our people shines brightest’ and Prime Minister Drew and his wife ‘also convey their deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out.

‘The overpouring of love, prayers, and well-wishes across social media, via WhatsApp, telephone calls, and personal messages has been overwhelming and deeply moving.

‘Furthermore, on behalf of the government, we have already reached out to our regional and international colleagues, partner governments, and diplomatic allies to keep them updated on these developments. We deeply value the message of solidarity and support that has already begun pouring in from around the Caribbean and across the globe.’

He urged citizens not to engage in ‘rumour or unnecessary alarm,’ saying ‘instead, let us channel our energy into remaining productive, looking out for one another, and keeping our leader lifted up in prayer and positive thoughts.

‘We are a nation built on resilience, faith, and unity. The foundation of our democracy is strong, and our commitment to the advancement of St. Kitts and Nevis remains unshakeable. May God bless our Prime Minister with a swift and complete recovery,’ Hanley added.

The Guyana-based Caribbean Community ( CARICOM) Secretariat says it has started a series of national consultations aimed at advancing endorsement of the draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy and its accompanying Resource Mobilisation and Implementation Strategy (RMIS).

It said that the consultations bring together a broad cross-section of national stakeholders, including representatives from environment, finance, economic development, tourism, agriculture, fisheries and marine sectors, biodiversity focal points and other key stakeholders. The engagements will review the updated Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy, validate its priorities, and identify practical approaches for biodiversity implementation, financing, monitoring, reporting, and strengthened regional collaboration.

The consultations so far have highlighted the importance of aligning regional initiatives with national priorities while building synergies with ongoing programmes.

The Senior Project Officer, Sustainable Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Teshia JnBaptiste, emphasized the importance of engagement with stakeholders to shape the final outcome.

‘The Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy is intended to complement, not replace, national biodiversity strategies and action plans. It seeks to provide a regional framework through which member states can address common challenges, leverage partnerships, mobilise resources and advance biodiversity objectives that are often best addressed through collective regional action,’ Jn Baptiste said.

The Secretariat said that the accompanying Resource Mobilisation and Implementation Strategy is being developed to support implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy by identifying financing opportunities, strengthening regional coordination, and enhancing technical cooperation. It is expected to guide regional biodiversity investments through 2030 and beyond.

The consultations are being conducted with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the main development agency of Germany, through the Promotion of Regionally Harmonised Approaches to the Protection and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in CARICOM member states (CARIBIO) project.