Category: CANA News

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 family of Vincentian-born Granville Leonard Straker, pioneering Caribbean music producer, entrepreneur and founder of the Brooklyn, New York-headquartered, legendary Straker’s Records, died on Thursday and the age of 86.

Born on Sept. 12, 1939 to the late Irena Straker and Clement Straker, the family said Granville Straker became ‘one of the most consequential figures in the production, preservation and international distribution of calypso and Soca music.’

It said Straker’s entrepreneurial involvement in Caribbean music began before the creation of his record label.

Beginning in Brooklyn in the 1960s and expanding during the 1970s, t Straker established record retail outlets serving the growing Caribbean community, including his landmark Straker’s Records at 242 Utica Avenue in Brooklyn and on Nostrand Avenue, also in Brooklyn, with additional retail presence in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

‘These outlets, together with his production and distribution network, helped connect Caribbean artists, recordings and audiences across the region and throughout the Diaspora,’ the family said.

In 1971, Straker founded Straker’s Records in Brooklyn, ‘creating a platform for Caribbean artists at a pivotal moment in the growth of New York’s West Indian community.

Over about three decades, Straker’s record label released an estimated 600 to 700 albums, more than 1,000 12-inch records and several thousand singles.

The roster included generations of celebrated artists such as Calypso Rose, The Mighty Shadow, Black Stalin, Chalkdust, Lord Nelson, Lord Melody, Mighty Duke, Explainer, Winston Soso, Singing Francine and Machel Montano.

Straker’s impact was recognized throughout the Caribbean music community.

The family said Straker was much more than a record-label owner, stating that he served at various times as a producer, promoter, talent scout, distributor, businessman and cultural visionary, traveling throughout the Caribbean in search of emerging talent and giving artists access to professional recording and international distribution.

‘His Brooklyn businesses became gathering places for Caribbean immigrants seeking the music and culture of home.’

At its height, Straker’s operation included multiple Brooklyn record stores, while Straker’s Records and Stereo became ‘synonymous with Caribbean music retail in New York.’

Straker’s work also helped connect the Caribbean with communities in New York, Toronto, London and elsewhere, ‘and contributed to establishing Brooklyn as a major center of Caribbean music production and distribution.’

However, the family said Straker was ‘much more than a pioneering figure in music.

‘He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, relative, mentor and friend whose determination, entrepreneurial spirit and devotion to Caribbean culture shaped generations around him.’

Five days after senior representatives of the main opposition parties, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), met to discuss several key political issues, the two sides on Saturday issued a joint statement outlining the outcome of their discussions.

The meeting was led by Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who headed the WIN delegation, and APNU Chairman and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton.

The discussions focused on matters of mutual concern and the possibility of greater political cooperation in the interest of the people of Guyana.

Among the issues discussed were matters relating to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), including the appointment of commissioners and electoral scrutineers; the ongoing impasse affecting the functioning of the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council; and nominations to the Local Government Commission.

The parties described the meeting as cordial and said it provided an opportunity to exchange views on developing general and specific guidelines to govern future engagement between the two sides.

WIN said it would consult with its leadership and membership before deciding whether to appoint a three-member team to work alongside a three-member APNU team to develop the proposed guidelines.

APNU, meanwhile, said it would consult with the other parties in its coalition before selecting its three-member team.

The joint statement noted that no final decisions were taken on the substantive issues discussed during the meeting.

Barbadian driver Zane Maloney will represent Nissan at the 2026/2027 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship after making the switch from Lola Yamaha ABT.

The 22-year-old will join forces with Oliver Rowland, who had an impressive 2025/2026 season, where he earned six podiums, including a victory on the streets of Monaco on his way to finishing fourth in the Drivers’ World Championship to maintain his record of top four finishes in every season since his return three years ago.

Maloney will be entering his third season in Formula E, having gained valuable experience across his first two campaigns, securing top 10 finishes in São Paulo, Monaco and Tokyo last season.

Maloney, who placed 20th in the Driver’s World Championship last season with Lola Yamaha ABT, said he was excited to be joining forces with Nissan.

‘I’m very excited to join Nissan. When I came into Formula E, the team was winning the championship with Oli, so it’s a great chance for me to now join a top manufacturer.

‘I’ve spent the last two seasons with a new team, developing my skills and trying to get the best results we could, so I’m really looking forward to taking this next step in my career,’ Maloney said.

‘It’s also a great opportunity to be teammates with Oli. He’s a World Champion and someone I watched when I was growing up, first winning races in Formula 2 and then in Formula E, so to be alongside him and learn from him will be really valuable.

‘GEN4 is a big opportunity for everyone to develop quickly, and I’ll be doing everything I can to prepare well and hit the ground running from the first race. A big thank you to Nissan for the trust in me. I’m really looking forward to getting started and achieving some very good results together,’ he added.

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.

The Trinbago Knight Riders’ miserable start to this year’s Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League continued on Saturday night when heavy showers allowed the Jamaica Kingsmen to escape with a seven-run win via the Duckworth/Lewis/Stern (DLS) method.

The Knight Riders would have been disappointed that they only got up to 180 for six in their 20 overs at the Queen’s Park Oval after being given a blistering start by openers Sunil Narine and Colin Munro.

The contest was set up for an exciting finish with the Kingsmen 127 for three in the 15th over, before persistent rains brought a premature end to the match with the visitors seven runs ahead on the DLS.

It gave the Kingsmen their fourth win in eight matches, while handing the Knight Riders a fourth loss in six games.

The Kingsmen didn’t get off to the best of starts in their chase, losing opener Maaz Sadaqat cheaply with 18 runs on the board.

Kirk McKenzie and Keacy Carty did a good job during their 50-run partnership for the second wicket that lifted the visitors to 68 for one after eight overs.

And when Goolie struck again to dismiss McKenzie for 30 off 25 balls, Carty found a reliable partner in Saim Ayub, with the pair adding a further 52-runs to put the Kingsmen in control.

Carty was eventually bowled by spinner Usman Tariq for 42 off 33 balls as he tried to accelerate, with his dismissal bringing skipper Rovman Powell to the crease.

He only faced two balls though – which included a boundary off Narine – and it ended up being the last ball of the match as showers forced players off the field for a second instance, this time for good.

Ayub finished unbeaten on 24 off 18 balls, while Goolie was the Knight Riders’ best bowler with 2-30.

Earlier, the Knight Riders looked set to post a total over 200 when Narine and Munro were at the crease during a 101-run partnership inside nine overs.

After scoring 11 runs in the first two overs, Narine hit Keemo Paul for a four and a six in the next over.

They them thumped Ayub for a six and three fours in the sixth over that went for 21 runs, with Narine also launching into wrist spinner Vitel Lawes, hitting him for two sixes two overs later.

Narine brought up his second successive half century in 23 balls by belting Paul for two fours and six in the ninth over that helped carry the Knight Riders past the 100-run mark.

But Paul had the last laugh, as he had Narine spectacularly caught by Odean Smith at mid-off for 53 off 24 balls, which included six fours and three sixes.

His dismissal led to a mini collapse, with Player-of-the-Match Lawes largely responsible.

Lawes had Munro caught behind for 52 off 42 balls, claimed the wicket of the dangerous Kieron Pollard for a first ball duck and also dismissed Matthew Tromp without scoring, to see the Knight Riders slide to 120 for four after 14 overs.

Captain Nicholas Pooran bolstered the innings with a responsible unbeaten knock of 60 off 37 balls with five fours and three sixes, but it proved to be insufficient as the rain had the final say.

Lawes finished with 3-29 while Hunain Shah took 2-27.

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency says agents assigned to the Del Rio Sector in Texas have arrested a Cuban national previously convicted for sexual assault of a child.

According to CBP, on August19, agents assigned to the Eagle Pass Station, apprehended a group of four men who had entered the United States illegally.

One of the migrants was later identified as Alexis Suarez-Trejos, 52, an illegal migrant from Cuba.

Record checks revealed that Suarez-Trejos was convicted in 2001 in Nevada for sexual assault of a child under 14, CBP said.

It said he was sentenced to 40 months incarceration and placed on the Nevada sex offender registry.

CBP said Suarez-Trejos was ‘most recently removed from the United States on Oct. 22, 2025.’

As a convicted felon, Suarez-Trejos faces a charge of ‘reentry after deportation’, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

‘Illegal aliens who prey on the children of our communities are an egregious threat,’ said Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony ‘Scott’ Good.

‘I’m proud of our agents who, every day, stand ready to protect this nation from such dangers,’ he added.

CBP said that, ‘under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the dedicated men and women of US Customs and Border Protection, alongside our law enforcement partners, have worked tirelessly to make our communities safer.’