Category: CANA News

The US Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Trump administration to end legal protections for migrants fleeing violence and natural disaster in Haiti and Syria, exposing hundreds of thousands more people to potential deportation.

The 6-3 decision overturns lower court orders and allows the Department of Homeland Security to swiftly end temporary protected status (TPS) a programme that protects a total of 1.3 million people from 17 countries.

The Republican administration argued that judges cannot second-guess immigration officials’ decisions about protections that were intended to be temporary.

The court’s conservative majority agreed, finding that the law creating the program keeps courts out of the process. ‘The Secretary’s TPS designation decisions are not subject to judicial review,’ Justice Samuel Alito wrote.

Immigration lawyers said the countries at issue remain unsafe for migrants to return and they argued that the administration ended the protections in an unlawfully hasty process tinged by racial animus. During Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, he amplified rumors that Haitian immigrants were abducting and eating dogs and cats.

The court majority found that the statements from Trump and his administration were not ‘overtly racial.’ Alito said that Haitian people should not face character attacks. ‘But whatever one may think of the cited statements, they are insufficient to show that the termination of Haiti’s TPS designation was based on the race of the Haitian people,’ he wrote.

The court’s three liberal justices dissented, writing that the law does allow for judges to step in if officials sidestep the process for ending the protections. Race, meanwhile, does appear to have played a role, Justice Elena Kagan wrote.

‘The evidence is there, plain to see, in the President’s statements, which the majority (and for that matter, his own lawyers) cannot even bear to repeat,’ she wrote. ‘Respectfully, I dissent from the Court’s decision that they may instead be put on the next plane.’

Lawyers for the Haitian immigrants said the Haitians would be in danger if they were sent back. ‘Simply put, the Supreme Court’s ruling will directly result in thousands of innocent people dying violent, needless deaths,’ Geoff Pipoly and Andy Tauber said.

They urged the Senate to approve an extension of deportation protections for Haitians. That measure has languished since it was passed the House on a rare bipartisan vote in April.

Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, also condemned the decision.

‘This ruling is a devastating betrayal of Haitian families who have lived, worked, and contributed to this country for years — only to be cast out based on anti-Black immigration sentiment,’ he said.

The Department of Justice appealed to the Supreme Court after judges postponed the end of the programme for about 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians. The high court sided with the administration before and allowed the end of the program for people from Venezuela.

Since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, DHS has ended the protections, including some that had been in place for more than a decade, for people from 13 countries.

The terminations were made even though countries such as Haiti and Syria remain dangerous, immigration lawyers said.

Four Haitian women who were deported from the United States in February were found beheaded and dumped in a river several months later, lawyers said in court documents.

The United States first granted protections to Haitians in 2010 after a catastrophic earthquake and extended them multiple times amid ongoing gang violence that has displaced more than a million people, according to court documents.

Syrians were first granted protected status in 2012, during a civil war that lasted for more than a decade before the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government in late 2024.

The programme was created by Congress in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries suffering from natural disasters, civil strife and other instability. It allows people already in the country to stay with work permits in increments of up to 18 months, but it does not provide a path to citizenship.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has extended Guyana’s solidarity and support to neighbouring Venezuela following the devastating back-to-back earthquakes that struck Caracas on Wednesday, leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured.

In a message of sympathy, President Ali expressed sadness at the scale of destruction and loss of life caused by the disaster and assured that Guyana stands ready to assist within its capacity.

‘As neighbours, we are deeply saddened by the scale, magnitude, and destruction caused by the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck Caracas yesterday,’ the president stated.

‘We stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela. As neighbours, we are ready to offer assistance within our capacity. Our love, prayers and thoughts are with the families of those affected and the people of Venezuela.’

The gesture was acknowledged by the Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, who publicly thanked President Ali for his message and willingness to support the Venezuelan people.

In her response, Rodríguez said Guyana’s message reflected solidarity, respect and a sense of neighbourliness during a difficult time for Venezuela.

The exchange underscores a moment of regional support and humanitarian concern as recovery efforts continue following the earthquakes.

The Government of Jamaica has expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation late Wednesday.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Government, on behalf of the Jamaican people, said it was saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by the disaster.

‘Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones, with the injured, and with the many still searching for those trapped beneath the rubble,’ the Government said.

Recalling Jamaica’s own experience with Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the Government underscored its solidarity with Venezuela during this difficult period.

‘As a Caribbean nation that knows well the suddenness with which natural disasters can impact our region, Jamaica stands in full solidarity with Venezuela in this time of grief and recovery. The bonds of friendship and regional kinship that unite our peoples are never more deeply felt than in moments of shared adversity,’ it added.

The Government noted that Jamaica stands ready to support the relief and recovery effort in whatever way it can, and joined the wider Caribbean and international community in offering assistance.

‘We pray for the strength of the Venezuelan people and for a swift and full recovery,’ it said.

Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes – a 7.2-magnitude quake followed just 39 seconds later by a larger 7.5-magnitude main shock-the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.,

At least 164 people have died and 971 have been injured, with the death toll feared to rise, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. She declared a state of emergency across several states affected.

La Guaira, the area hardest hit, has been described as a disaster zone.

The country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas, is damaged and closed. Subway and natural gas services in the capital have been canceled, as well as school activities for several days.

The main earthquake struck at 6:05 p.m. local time near Yumare, located on the country’s Caribbean coast, about 100 miles west of the capital of Caracas. The first quake was recorded at about 6:04 p.m. and was centered near San Felipe, about 4 miles north of the second quake.

Dhananjaya de Silva produced a captain’s knock of 120 runs from 168 deliveries as Sri Lanka recovered from a disastrous start to post 308 all out on an eventful opening day of the first Test against West Indies here at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

West Indies captain Roston Chase won the toss and opted to bowl first on a pitch offering encouragement for the seamers, a decision that appeared inspired when the home side reduced Sri Lanka to 42 for 3 inside the first ten overs.

The carnage began in just the sixth delivery of the match when Kemar Roach tucked up Pathum Nissanka, who clipped a pacy delivery into the hands of short-leg fielder Amir Jangoo for two.

Alzarri Joseph then produced a devastating double strike in the 10th over, first trapping Nishan Madushka lbw for 23 with a full delivery that struck the batsman on the shin, before claiming Kamindu Mendis for a golden duck with a delivery that found the outside edge and was safely held at first slip by a diving John Campbell.

Sri Lanka’s recovery began through the counter-attacking Dinesh Chandimal, who combined with de Silva in a 68-run partnership that steadied the innings.

Chandimal was particularly severe through the off-side, driving and cutting with authority as he compiled 54 runs before falling to an exceptional Shamar Joseph inswinger.

That Shamar Joseph’s pinpoint delivery sparked another mini-collapse when Kusal Mendis followed shortly after for a duck. The wicket-keeper was caught at second slip by Justin Greaves, reaching for a wide delivery.

From the rubble of 110 for five, de Silva constructed an innings of immense quality and temperament. His century, the 13th of his Test career, arrived off 150 deliveries when he flicked a delivery sumptuously through midwicket.

The Sri Lankan captain found willing allies in Sonal Dinusha, who contributed a gritty 43 off 75 balls during a 99-run stand, and Milan Rathnayake, who added 27 during a 64-run seventh-wicket partnership.

West Indies’ seam attack toiled commendably throughout the day, with Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph all claiming two wickets apiece. However, it was medium-pacer Justin Greaves who proved most damaging, finishing with figures of 3 for 39.

Greaves broke the crucial partnership when he dismissed de Silva midway through the final session, the Sri Lankan captain giving a catch at cover off a leading edge attempting to work the ball through midwicket.

At 273 for 7, Sri Lanka’s lower order added valuable runs to push the total beyond 300.

The day was not without blemish for the hosts, however. Wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva had a torrid time with the gloves, dropping three catches, including one low chance to his left from Alzarri Joseph’s bowling that would have dismissed Rathnayake.

Despite utilising the full six-and-a-half hours of play, West Indies managed only 72.5 overs, a sluggish rate that may concern match officials.

West Indies survived the solitary over before stumps without loss, with openers John Campbell and Brandon King both yet to score as they trail Sri Lanka’s first-innings total by 308 runs.

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions targeting key Cuban state-owned companies and a member of the extended Castro family, as the Trump administration intensifies pressure on Havana.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures target five entities that Washington claims generate revenue for the Cuban government, including three linked to the military-controlled business conglomerate Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA).

‘GAESA continues to operate as the financial muscle behind the Cuban regime’s repressive security apparatus,’ Rubio said in announcing the sanctions.

According to the US State Department, two of the newly sanctioned entities are financial institutions accused of handling funds on behalf of the Cuban government, while another is a logistics company involved in managing the movement of goods across the island.

The sanctions also target two companies operating in Cuba’s mining and metals sector, including the state-owned GeoMinera, which the United States says helps generate revenue through the development and management of the country’s mineral resources.

In addition, the administration sanctioned Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero, the wife of Alejandro Castro Espín, who was previously sanctioned earlier this month.

The actions were taken under Executive Order 14404, signed by Trump, which authorizes sanctions against individuals and entities accused of supporting Cuba’s security apparatus or contributing to activities deemed harmful to US national security.

The State Department said the measures are part of a broader effort to restrict the Cuban government’s access to revenue and resources while promoting democracy, human rights, and economic reforms on the island.

Under the sanctions, all property and interests belonging to the designated individuals and entities that fall under US jurisdiction are blocked. US citizens and companies are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with sanctioned persons or organizations unless specifically authorized by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The State Department also warned that foreign companies and financial institutions doing business with sanctioned entities could themselves face sanctions exposure.

The latest measures form part of a broader Trump administration strategy aimed at increasing economic pressure on Cuba through restrictions targeting sectors including finance, mining, energy, defense, and state-owned enterprises.

West Indies, replying to Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 308, closed on zero without loss after one over on the opening day of the first Test at North Sound here on Thursday.

SCORES:

SRI LANKA 308 in 71.5 overs (Dhananjaya de Silva 120, Dinesh Chandimal 54, Sonal Dinusha 43, Milan Rathnayaka 27; Justin Greaves 3-39, Kemar Roach 2-32, Alzarri Joseph 2-60, Shamar Joseph 2-79, Jayden Seales 1-73)

WEST INDIES 0-0 in 1 over (John Campbell 0*, Brandon King 0*)

Governments across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have expressed sympathy with the government and people of Venezuela following two devastating earthquakes that rocked the South American nation late Wednesday.

On Thursday, the Prime Minister of St Lucia, Philip J. Pierre in a statment, expressed profound sorrow at the reports of significant casualties, injuries, and destruction resulting from this natural disaster.

‘At this difficult time, the people of Saint Lucia stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela as they mourn the lives lost, care for the injured, and begin the challenging process of recovery and rebuilding. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been displaced, and all communities affected by this tragedy.’

The Prime Minister also conveyed Saint Lucia’s support to the Venezuelan authorities and emergency responders who continue to work tirelessly to assist affected communities and provide relief to those in need.

Meanwhile – The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has expressed solidarity with Venezuela and has offered assistance .

In a media release issued late Wednesday , the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said Trinidad and Tobago stood with the Government and people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the seismic event, which triggered widespread concern across the region.

‘The Government of Trinidad and Tobago stands prepared to provide any requested support and assistance to the Venezuelan authorities, where possible,’ the ministry said.

The ministry said it remained mindful of the Caribbean region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and shared the anxiety of Venezuelans as authorities assessed the impact of the earthquake and began recovery efforts.

It also confirmed that Trinidad and Tobago’s diplomatic mission in Caracas was not significantly affected and that officials were continuing to monitor developments closely.

The statement came as reports emerged of significant damage in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck west of Caracas on Wednesday.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake was followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor approximately 160 kilometres west of here.

On Thursday, officials said the death toll had risen to 164 and is expected to climb.

Antigua and Barbuda Wednesday reaffirmed its ‘unwavering commitment’ to the Organization of American States (OAS) calling also for collective action on Haiti, institutional reform, and the defence of multilateralism.

Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador Sir Ronald Sanders told delegates attending the 56th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly that too often, unilateral action is chosen over collective solutions.

‘The OAS is the only institution where almost all independent states of this Hemisphere meet regularly for dialogue, cooperation, and collective action and there is no substitute for it.

For this reason, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms, without reservation, its commitment to this Organization and to the Charter principles that guide it.’

He said that the Caribbean island would continue to support the OAS in practice by applying its rules consistently, safeguarding its independence, and ensuring that it serves all member states fairly.

Sir Ronald said that the independence of the Secretary Genera, Albert Ramdin, and of the international civil service is a fundamental principle of the Charter, adding ‘it is essential to the institutional balance of the Organization and to its ability to serve all member states impartially.

‘However, it must be exercised through established mechanisms and in accordance with the Charter, the General Standards, and the collective decisions of member states,’ the Antigua and Barbuda dipomat said, urging member states to addres the financial situation facing the hemispheric body.

‘The Regular Fund is under significant strain. Its reserves, intended to protect against unforeseen shocks, have been depleted. To maintain basic operations, the General Secretariat has relied on limited internal cash resources,’ he said, adding that the approved budget ceiling for 2027 is US$95.6 million.

‘In real terms, this is lower than the Organization’s budget 15 years ago. The proposed 2027 Programme-Budget increases funding by approximately US$2.5 million over 2026, largely to address inflation and cost-of-living adjustments. It does not address the US$16.7 million in unfunded and underfunded needs identified by the General Secretariat.’

He said nor does it restore the Reserve Sub fund or resolve the gap between mandates and available resources.

Sir Ronald said that Antigua and Barbuda supported this budget to ensure continuity of operations, not because it resolves the OAS’s structural financial challenges.

‘We respect the collective process that produced it and recognise the fiscal constraints faced by many member states. Nonetheless, this remains a budget designed to sustain operations, not to fully deliver on agreed mandates. This is not only a technical issue. It is a political one that requires political decisions.’

Sir Ronald said that member states that value the OAS must be prepared to sustain it, warning that ‘chronic underfunding has real consequences.

‘It affects anti-corruption and security programmes, climate resilience initiatives, technical cooperation, human rights mechanisms, and support for countries facing exceptional challenges.’

On the issue of Haiti, where efforts are being made to hold elections in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country since it was last held in 2016, Sir Ronald said that Haitians continue to face ‘unacceptable levels of violence and insecurity.

‘Women and girls, in particular, remain at grave risk. The Haitian authorities have requested international security assistance. Antigua and Barbuda therefore supports the United Nations-authorised Gang Suppression Force and all efforts to restore public order.’

But Sir Ronald said that the international community, particularly countries of the Americas, must also act in a coordinated manner against transnational criminal networks operating in Haiti.

‘We must disrupt drug trafficking, illicit financial flows, and money laundering. We must identify, sanction, and prosecute those who finance and support gang activity, wherever they operate – inside or outside of Haiti.

‘Greater attention must be given to maritime surveillance, coastal monitoring, and border security. The flow of weapons, ammunition, drugs, and criminal actors into and out of Haiti must be disrupted.’

He said that stronger controls are essential to weaken the gangs, prevent Haiti from being used as a transit point, and deny criminal networks a critical source of revenue.

‘We must act together to restore security and democratic governance, in the interest of Haiti and of the Hemisphere as a whole,’ he added.

The Organization of American States (OAS) has reiterated its commitment to the expansion of democratic and civic space across the Hemisphere as a central pillar for peace, stability, and prosperity.

‘At a time when democratic institutions face increasing pressures, the OAS underscores the need to strengthen democracy and inclusive governance, respect for fundamental freedoms, and opportunities for citizen participation, as essential conditions for a peaceful and prosperous Hemisphere,’ the OAS General Secretariat said in a statement.

It said that Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela are part of the Inter-American community and in that context, it recognizes with concern the need for the restoration of democracy in these countries and for the upholding of the shared Inter-American principles regarding democracy and human rights.

The OAS, which is holdings its 56th Regular Session of its General Assembly, said it notes the need for fully functioning democratic systems in these countries that ‘facilitate the ability of citizens to freely express their will and to participate meaningfully in public life, a goal enshrined in seminal Inter-American juridical instruments, including the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

‘The General Secretariat further expresses concern regarding the situation of political prisoners in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. As previously stated, the General Secretariat understands that the continued detention of individuals for political reasons is incompatible with the principles and commitments of the Inter-American system.

‘In this Hemisphere, there is no place for political persecution or imprisonment on the basis of opinion or dissent. In that regard, the OAS General Secretariat reiterates its urgent call for the unconditional release of all those detained for political reasons, in accordance with fundamental human rights obligations.’

Furthermore, the OAS reiterates its readiness to place its good offices at the disposal of these countries in support of democratic governance and institutional strengthening, upon request by its member states.

The OAS said it ‘stands prepared to accompany processes that contribute to the expansion of democratic and civic space, and facilitate dialogue and consensus on the way forward, the holding of elections, the protection of human rights, and the rebuilding of confidence in public institutions’.

The OAS also states that sustainable democratic solutions must be nationally led and rooted in the active participation of national actors, including political stakeholders, the private sector, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors.

‘International engagement must be aimed at supporting nationally agreed paths forward. Lasting progress depends on inclusive national dialogue and a shared commitment to democratic principles within each country,’ the OAS added.

England Women defeated West Indies Women by 38 runs in the 22nd match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s here on Wednesday.

ENGLAND WOMEN 186-7 in 20 overs (Danni Wyatt-Hodge 65, Heather Knight 43, Alice Capsey 28, Sophia Dunkley 14; Ashmini Munisar 2-42).

WEST INDIES WOMEN 148-5 in 20 overs (Chinelle Henry 51 not out, Jahzara Claxton 21, Shemaine Campbelle 20, Deandra Dottin 19, Hayley Matthews 14; Charlie Dean 2-31).