Category: CANA News

Belize has assumed a key regional leadership role in shaping the future of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by officially taking over the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Regional Center for the Promotion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (CENPROMYPE) of the Central American Integration System (SICA).

CENPROMYPE serves as the specialised institution within SICA responsible for strengthening entrepreneurship and MSME development while promoting regional integration, innovation, competitiveness, and inclusive economic growth among its member states.

Belize assumed the presidency for the period July 1 to December 31, 2026 at a ceremony in Guatemala City on Thursday where Ishmael Quiroz, the executive director of Belize’s national Investment Promotion Agency (BELTRAIDE)accepted the presidency.

‘Belize is proud to assume this important regional leadership role at a time when MSMEs remain the backbone of our economies. Our presidency will focus on fostering innovation, strengthening regional partnerships, expanding market opportunities, and ensuring that entrepreneurs, including women- and youth-led businesses, are equipped to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy. Together with our SICA partners, we will work to build a stronger, more resilient regional MSME ecosystem.’ said Quiroz.

A government statement here said that during its six-month presidency, Belize will spearhead a regional agenda aimed at strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of MSMEs centered on six strategic priorities.

These are the formalisation of MSMEs and entrepreneurship; regional competitiveness and productivity of MSMEs; regional integration and trade relations; women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment; agro-industrial innovation and transformation; and regional and institutional governance.

‘As Pro Tempore President, Belize reaffirms its commitment to regional integration and collaboration and looks forward to working alongside member states, development partners, and the private sector to advance sustainable, inclusive economic growth throughout the SICA region.

‘Beyond advancing the regional agenda, Belize’s Presidency creates new opportunities for Belizean MSMEs through increased access to training and technical assistance, support for business formalization and women-led enterprises, stronger regional partnerships, and expanded market opportunities across SICA and CARICOM. These efforts will help strengthen the competitiveness of Belizean businesses while reinforcing the country’s role as a regional leader in MSME development,’ the statement added.

Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) leaders have approved the reappointment of Dr. Didacus Jules to a fourth term as Director General, reaffirming its confidence in his leadership and continued commitment to advancing the OECS integration agenda.

According to a statement issued here, the decision to re-appoint the St. Lucian-born Jules, who first assumed office in 2014, was taken during last weekend’s OECS summit in Antigua and Barbuda, where the leaders of the sub-regional grouping ‘commended Dr. Jules’s distinguished service and significant contributions to regional development, cooperation, and institutional strengthening over the course of his tenure’. The statement said that Jules has played a pivotal role in advancing key regional priorities, including food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities, and educational reform, while strengthening the OECS’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities facing member sates.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday in a statement recognised Jules’ strategic ‘vision, dedication to public service, and commitment to fostering deeper regional integration and sustainable development throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

”The (reappointment) decision reflects the confidence of the Authority in your leadership and acknowledges your valuable contribution to the advancement of the OECS integration agenda and the continued strengthening of the Organisation.

‘On behalf of the OECS Authority, I extend sincere congratulations on your reappointment and look forward to your continued service and dedication to the people and Governments of the OECS member states,’ Friday added.

The OECS groups the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.

West Indies Academy defeated Sri Lanka Emerging Players by 76 runs in the third and final One Day International at Nondescripts Cricket Ground here on Friday.

Scores

WEST INDIES ACADEMY 349-4 in 50 overs (Shaqkere Parris 177, Kevlon Anderson 86 not out, Rivaldo Clarke 38, Damel Evelyn 27).

SRI LANKA EMERGING PLAYERS 273 in 42.4 overs (Ranesh Silva 69, Dinura Kalupahana 54, Vishen Halambage 42, Chamika Heenatigala 32, Traveen Mathew 29; Amari Goodridge 4-56, Zishan Motara 2-46, Giovonte Depeiza 2-52).

The Antigua and Barbuda cabinet has endorsed the recommendations and negotiating position outlined by Prime Minister Gaston Browne regarding ongoing discussions with the United States to accept a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees.

In supporting the Prime Minister’s position, cabinet noted the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries adding that the United States remains one of the country’s ‘most important strategic partners, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, tourism, security, education and development assistance’. A statement issued after the Cabinet meeting said that Prime Minister Browne had informed his ministers that negotiations with United States officials have resumed following the submission of Antigua and Barbuda’s counterproposals and that ‘constructive dialogue continues between the two countries’.

The statement said that Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, is leading the negotiations on behalf of the government and ‘is actively engaged in advancing the country’s interests while ensuring that any agreement reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s laws, values and national priorities.

‘Cabinet was further advised that Antigua and Barbuda has made it clear that it will not accept any individuals with criminal backgrounds and that comprehensive due diligence must be conducted in every case.’

It said that the government has insisted that ‘detailed reports be submitted on each individual, including information relating to criminal history, security assessments and health status, before any consideration is given to admission into Antigua and Barbuda’.

The statement quoted Prime Minister Browne as emphasising that the government ‘ must retain the sovereign right to determine who may enter and reside within the country.

‘Cabinet was informed that Antigua and Barbuda has indicated a willingness to consider accepting a limited number of persons annually, estimated at between fourteen and sixteen individuals, subject to the strict screening and approval processes established by the Government.

‘Consideration would also be given to skilled individuals whose qualifications and expertise could contribute positively to national development and economic growth,’ the statement noted.

Meanwhile, Cabinet agreed that Antigua and Barbuda should continue to engage constructively with the United States administration on matters of mutual interest, including migration and border management issues, while ensuring that the country’s national security, public health and social interests remain fully protected.

‘The government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and will continue to pursue discussions in a manner that reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereignty, humanitarian values and responsibility to safeguard the welfare and security of its citizens and residents,’ the statement added.

Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) leaders have approved the reappointment of Dr. Didacus Jules to a fourth term as Director General, reaffirming its confidence in his leadership and continued commitment to advancing the OECS integration agenda.

According to a statement issued here, the decision to re-appoint the St. Lucian-born Jules, who first assumed office in 2014, was taken during last weekend’s OECS summit in Antigua and Barbuda, where the leaders of the sub-regional grouping ‘commended Dr. Jules’s distinguished service and significant contributions to regional development, cooperation, and institutional strengthening over the course of his tenure’. The statement said that Jules has played a pivotal role in advancing key regional priorities, including food sovereignty, digital transformation, healthier communities, and educational reform, while strengthening the OECS’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges and opportunities facing member sates.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday in a statement recognised Jules’ strategic ‘vision, dedication to public service, and commitment to fostering deeper regional integration and sustainable development throughout the Eastern Caribbean.

”The (reappointment) decision reflects the confidence of the Authority in your leadership and acknowledges your valuable contribution to the advancement of the OECS integration agenda and the continued strengthening of the Organisation.

‘On behalf of the OECS Authority, I extend sincere congratulations on your reappointment and look forward to your continued service and dedication to the people and Governments of the OECS member states,’ Friday added.

The OECS groups the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 rattled some Caribbean island on Friday, the Trinidad-based Seismic Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the West Indies reported.

It said that the event occurred at 7.19 a (local time) and was at a depth of 10 kilometers (km).

It was felf in the nearby cities of Point-à-Pitre, the capital of the French-island of Guadeloupe, Roseau n Dominica and St. Johhn’s the Antigua and Barbuda capital.

The SRC said that there were no immedite reports of injuries or damage.

It comes less than 24 hours following the magnitude 7.1 and 7.5 events off the coast of Venezuela that have killed 589 and injuring 2,980 acting President Delcy Rodriquez has said.

International rescue teams have joined the search for survivors in Venezuela as loccal teams searched through the the night in collpased buildings in Caracas and the state of La Guaira.

The Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission (TTSEC) is reiterating a warning to the public to exercise heightened caution amid the continued rise in investment scams, particularly those perpetrated through social media platforms and digital messaging applications.

‘This marks the Commission’s sixth official public alert on this issue, following earlier updates, and underscores the growing threat posed by increasingly sophisticated fraudulent investment schemes targeting innocent individuals,’ the TTSEC said in a statement.

It said despite the Commission’s ongoing public awareness efforts and previous warnings, scammers continue to adapt their tactics, using fake social media profiles, impersonation of legitimate financial institutions and professionals, fraudulent investment advertisements, and deceptive online communications to gain the trust of potential victims.

‘All members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant, verify investment opportunities before committing any funds, and be especially cautious of offers promoted online that promise guaranteed or unusually high returns.’

TTSEC said that among the red flags, warning signs and evolving scam tactics the public should be aware of, include scammers use social media accounts with stolen or generic photos, minimal information, and vague content to gain trust as well as ‘unrealistic returns’ in which scammers make promises of people being able to earn ‘earn $30,150 on a $2,000 investment in 2 hours’.

It said that these are designed to lure you in with impossible returns, warning people also of responding to an ad or post, in which ‘scammers shift the conversation to private messaging apps, where impersonators posing as ‘investment representatives’ give false assurances’.

‘Legitimate investment firms generally require funds to be deposited into accounts held in the name of the company. If you are instructed to send money to a personal bank account or to an individual claiming to act on behalf of the company, this may be a warning sign of an investment scam or other fraudulent activity.’

TTSEC said that people should also be wary of being promised that initially ‘there are no fees involved and that withdrawals are easy and fast,’ and that ‘after depositing funds, you may be given access to a fabricated investment platform, which shows exaggerated account balances to deceive you into thinking you’ve made significant profits’.

The TTSEC tells members of the public that before investing they should ‘be skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially on social media or messaging apps’ and ensure that the individual or entity and its promoters are registered with the TTSEC.

‘If the entity is not registered under the Securities Act … you risk losing your entire investment,’ the TTSEC warned.

West Indies Academy defeated Sri Lanka Emerging Players by 76 runs in the third and final One Day International at Nondescripts Cricket Ground here on Friday.

Scores

WEST INDIES ACADEMY 349-4 in 50 overs (Shaqkere Parris 177, Kevlon Anderson 86 not out, Rivaldo Clarke 38, Damel Evelyn 27).

SRI LANKA EMERGING PLAYERS 273 in 42.4 overs (Ranesh Silva 69, Dinura Kalupahana 54, Vishen Halambage 42, Chamika Heenatigala 32, Traveen Mathew 29; Amari Goodridge 4-56, Zishan Motara 2-46, Giovonte Depeiza 2-52).

The Guyana government says it will seek a ‘a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation’ into the death of 16-year-old Altaf King, whose death by accident on Thursday night led to residents staging protest and setting fires on a section of the Corentyne Public Road in Berbice.

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond, in extending ‘deepest condolences to the family’ said ‘I wish to assure the family and the public that this matter will be the subject of a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. ‘Every aspect of the incident will be carefully examined, and if any criminal or disciplinary culpability is established, it will be dealt with swiftly and in accordance with the law. No one is above accountability,’ Waldron said.

The Home Affairs Minister also appealled to the residents of Skeldon and the surrounding communities to ‘remain calm, refrain from actions that may endanger lives and allow the investigative process to proceed without interference.

‘I understand the grief and concern being expressed, but it is essential that the truth is established through a comprehensive and independent investigation,’ Waldron said.

In a statement late Thursday night, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) said enquires so far indicate that King was riding a motorcycle ‘when he attempted to evade a Police patrol, lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a utility pole’.

The GPF said its Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has commenced an ‘immediate investigation’ and ‘will examine all aspects of the incident and establish whether there was any criminal or disciplinary culpabilit’.

Police said King sustained injuries and was conveyed to the Regional Public Hospital, where he was examined and pronounced dead on arrival.

It said also that it recognises the seriousness of the matter and sought to assure the relatives of the dead teenager and members of the public that ‘appropriate action would be taken should any criminal or disciplinary culpability be established.’

But the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party claimed that the cyclist was struck down by the police and is demanding ‘Justice for young Altaf that was purposely hit by Police Officer in Corriverton’.

The other opposition party, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) called for a full, independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the cyclist, as well as the immediate preservation of all relevant evidence, including police records, communications, and any available video footage, and appropriate action against any individual found to have acted negligently or unlawfully.

‘The timely release of the findings to the public to ensure accountability and maintain public confidence.

‘The PNCR/APNU stands with the grieving family in their pursuit of truth and justice. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child under such circumstances without clear answers and accountability,’ the PNCR-APU said.

Legislators and immigration advocates have strongly condemned and are expressing profound outrage over the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) terminating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of hundreds of Haitians and Syrians living in the country.

‘Again and again, this MAGA-corrupted Supreme Court has proven there are no lengths it will not go to disgrace itself in fealty and service of Donald Trump,’ Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

She said that Thursday’s ‘despicable ruling to allow the Trump administration to ignore the law and abandon any semblance of human decency by prematurely terminating TPS for Haiti and Syria is devastating on a scale that shocks the conscience’.

Clarke said that more than 350,000 TPS holders have now lost legal status and as a result ‘our communities will soon lose neighbours, loved ones, hardworking employees, and business leader’.

She said America’s moral standing in the world ‘continues to collapse under the weight of this president’s relentless humanitarian betrayal’.