Category: CANA News

West Indians Jason Holder and Andre Fletcher scored crucial knocks as the Los Angeles Knight Riders began their 2026 Major League Cricket (MLC) campaign with a seven-wicket victory over the San Francisco Unicorns here on Friday.

In the rain-affected contest reduced to 14 overs a side, the Unicorns posted a competitive 150 for seven after being sent in to bat at Grand Prairie Stadium. They were led by Lhuan-dre-Pretorius’ 58 off 28 balls, which included five sixes and four fours, while captain Matthew Short made 30 off 20 balls.

Sunil Narine was the Knight Rider’s best bowler with 2-33.

Opener and Player-of-the-Match Colin Munro then struck an unbeaten 64 off 40 balls with six fours and four sixes to propel the Knight Riders to 154 for three with two balls remaining.

He shared an opening stand of 70 runs in six overs with Fletcher, who blasted 34 off 17 with three fours and two sixes and added 47 runs with Holder who bludgeoned 28 off 12 balls, in just three overs.

Jamaica’s Government has approved additional cement imports to address a shortage affecting the local construction sector, with Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister Senator Aubyn Hill saying the move is intended to ensure adequate supply as demand increases.

Caribbean Cement Company Limited (CCCL), Jamaica’s primary cement manufacturer, had reported production challenges linked to heavy rainfall affecting raw materials and operational adjustments associated with kiln expansion works.

The demand for cement also increased as persons began rebuilding following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Hill said the Government gave importers the opportunity to supply the local market with additional cement.

‘We had to look at compounding average, annual growth rate and see how we project what cement demand will be,’ he said.

The minister said supply conditions have improved as Caribbean Cement has increased imports and new importers have begun establishing arrangements to meet demand.

‘We know that Caribbean Cement Company has imported a lot more [and] the new importers are out there setting up their arrangements. So, the shortage of cement has become much less of a subject. We know that the supply is here to meet that demand,’ Hill said.

He said the Government’s decision was based on projections of cement demand and the need to support continued activity in the construction sector.

Hill also noted that expected demand associated with construction projects under the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARRA) is not included in the current import arrangements.

‘When NARRA comes in there is going to be a whole different calculation because big projects are going to need special amounts of cement, and after the projects [are completed] that demand will not be there. So, we have to put special arrangements in place… but it is not in this allocation of imports,’ he said.

The minister said separate arrangements would be required to address the needs of large-scale reconstruction projects once they begin.

Sri Lanka require 94 more runs with nine wickets remaining against a West Indies Select XI at the close of play on the third day of their four-day warmup match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground here on Saturday.

Scores

WEST INDIES SELECT XI 205 and 199 in 45.2 overs (Joshua Bishop 68, Ackeem Auguste 46, Keemo Paul 29, Kemol Savory 27; Asitha Fernando 3-27, Sonal Dinusha 3-42, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-70).

SRI LANKA 281 in 70.4 overs (Dinesh Chandimal 74, Nishan Madushka 46, Milan Rathnayake 41, Sonal Dinusha 36, Dhananjaya de Silva 34, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 14; Nial Smith 4-58, Keemo Paul 3-67, Alzarri Joseph 2-45) and 30-1 in eight overs (Nishan Madushka 24 not out).

Barbados has strengthened its role in regional public health with the formal designation of the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory as a World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Collaborating Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance.

The designation was recognised during a ceremony at the laboratory’s Enmore Complex on Friday, where Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley described the achievement as a reflection of years of investment, technical excellence and regional cooperation. Mottley said collaboration among international organisations, local institutions and academic bodies would be critical in addressing the growing global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.

‘I believe that the partnership between the international institutions, such as WHO and PAHO, with local institutions, with academic institutions, is at the core of our ability to be successful in this battle, and it is imperative that we use the language of our President: no retreat, no surrender,’ she said.

The Prime Minister said the designation recognised Barbados’ sustained commitment to strengthening public health capacity in the Caribbean and comes as countries seek to curb the growing impact of antimicrobial resistance.

‘We have committed, as a global community, at the United Nations General Assembly to be able to reduce the level of deaths from bacterial infection by 10 per cent,’ Mottley said.

‘We believe that it is through the actions that we are taking today that, in the good old tradition of the Barbadian proverb, one, one, blow is kill old cow, that we will achieve success globally.’

She added that Barbados was demonstrating its commitment through investment, training and policy reforms, saying the country was positioning itself as a model for small island developing states.

Director of the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory, Dr Songee Beckles, said the designation affirmed the institution’s technical capabilities and international standards in antimicrobial resistance detection and surveillance.

‘In terms of our designation as a PAHO/WHO collaborative centre for AMR services and surveillance, it stamps our authority and shows the Caribbean, Barbados, and the wider international community that we are up to the quality standards that are required for AMR detection and surveillance,’ Beckles said.

PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr Amalia Del Riego, said the laboratory had for decades served as a regional hub for training, reference services and technical support.

She said health professionals from across the Caribbean had benefited from programmes hosted by the laboratory, returning to their countries with strengthened expertise in diagnostics, surveillance and public health response.

Del Riego noted that Barbados had consistently provided these services using its own resources, specialist expertise and laboratory facilities.

‘This is the true spirit of a PAHO Collaborating Centre,’ she said.

Minister of Health and Wellness Lisa Cummins said Barbados had long been at the forefront of efforts to address antimicrobial resistance and noted Mottley’s role as Chair of the Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance.

Cummins said Barbados had contributed significantly to international efforts, including the adoption of the United Nations Political Declaration on AMR, initiatives to secure financing for national responses and the establishment of global targets for 2030.

‘Barbados has demonstrated both aspirational and inspirational leadership on antimicrobial resistance and many other public health issues,’ she said.

Mottley, Cummins, Beckles and Del Riego all congratulated the laboratory’s staff for their contribution to public health and their role in securing the designation.

Haiti were dumped out of the FIFA World Cup after being trounced 3-0 by Brazil in their crucial Group C encounter on Friday.

The result followed Haiti’s 1-0 loss to Scotland in their opener and made them the first team to be eliminated from the 2026 World Cup.

Haiti are now certain to finish bottom of the group, as they cannot reach Brazil or Morocco’s points tally, and although they could match Scotland’s total, Steve Clarke’s side has the better head-to-head record. Matheus Cunha, who replaced Igor Thiago in the starting line-up, netted a brace while Vinicius Jr also scored in the first half to put the South American side in control of the contest by half time.

Cunha scored a fortuitous opener in the 23rd minute when Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix kicked the ball off him and it spun into the net.

However, his second goal in the 36th minute was a fine finish after Vinicius Jr put him through and he rifled a strike into the top corner.

Vinicius Jr then got in on the act in first-half stoppage time after Lucas Paqueta played a brilliant ball over the top and he calmly slotted home past the goalkeeper for his second goal of the tournament.

The only disappointment for Brazil was an injury to winger Raphinha, who was forced off in the opening 45 minutes.

Brazil keeper Alisson did need to pull off a fine second-half save when Ricardo Ade rose to divert a corner on target, but the result was never in doubt.

Jamaica has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States that will allow third-country nationals (TCNs) transferred from the US to transit through the island on their way to a final destination, including their home countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, said the agreement received Cabinet approval and was signed on June 10 following negotiations involving the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and National Security and Peace, the Office of the Prime Minister and the Attorney General’s Chambers. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, Chang said the arrangement does not provide for individuals to be settled permanently in Jamaica.

‘The agreed quota is for 25 individuals to be facilitated every two weeks for transit through Jamaica to a third territory, including their home countries,’ he said.

‘At no time will the number exceed 25, because we have the right to refuse anyone at any time and both parties can terminate the entire agreement without any long-term notice,’ Chang added.

He said negotiations on the operational guidelines are continuing, but noted that the United States will cover the cost of the individuals’ initial stay in Jamaica.

According to Chang, persons who decide to remain in Jamaica would be required to apply to the courts for asylum.

‘If they get asylum status, we retain them, if they don’t, we send them home,’ he said.

The minister said the government is working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to secure suitable accommodation for individuals accepted under the arrangement and stressed that arrivals will not begin until operational details are finalised.

A statement issued by the ministry said the operational guidelines will establish safeguards for implementation, including screening, verification, oversight mechanisms and suspension provisions.

Chang said Jamaica would retain the authority to reject any individual proposed for transfer and that health screening, identity verification, criminal record checks and clearance from the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) would be required before acceptance.

‘Individuals with criminal antecedents will not be accepted under this arrangement, as Jamaica’s security considerations remain paramount,’ he said.

Chang said the agreement would remain in effect as long as there is a need or until conditions for its termination, as outlined in the MOU, are met.

Similar agreements have already been concluded between the United States and Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados.

In a major show of support for the nation’s flagship sport, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has given the green light to a pair of transformative proposals from Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, signalling a new era for the game’s development, infrastructure, and community engagement on the twin-island state. During a recent high-level meeting, the Cabinet welcomed separate presentations from CWI officials and the Falcons franchise, endorsing a suite of initiatives designed to cement Antigua’s reputation as the heartbeat of Caribbean cricket.

At the core of the discussions was CWI’s ambitious plan to construct a state-of-the-art Cricket West Indies Campus at the Coolidge location.

The project, estimated at US$6.6 million and slated for completion by March 2027, promises to be a game-changer for regional sports infrastructure.

The facility will feature international-standard training amenities, upgraded technology, a cricket simulator, and a museum dedicated to preserving the storied legacy of West Indies cricket.

Cabinet expressed its full approval and committed to ongoing collaboration with CWI to ensure the project’s realisation.

Beyond infrastructure, CWI representatives highlighted a pressing need to revitalise school cricket, particularly at the primary level.

Emphasising a unified approach, they called for stronger partnerships between schools, the Ministry of Sports, and national sporting bodies to rebuild the grassroots structure.

Cabinet welcomed the proposal, supporting programs aimed at boosting participation among both boys and girls to nurture the next generation of West Indies stars.

Meanwhile, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons outlined their strategic roadmap for the upcoming season, which includes intensive training camps, community outreach, and holistic player development programs focusing on physical and mental well-being.

The franchise underscored the importance of creating clear pathways for local talent and advocated for exchange opportunities with cricketing powerhouses such as England, Australia, and India.

In a groundbreaking move for inclusivity, the Falcons also briefed Cabinet on their recent engagement with Antigua’s Spanish-speaking community at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

The initiative aims to broaden the franchise’s fan base through Spanish-language promotional materials, including a translated version of the Falcons’ theme song, and targeted outreach activities.

Cabinet commended the franchise for recognising the vital role of the Spanish-speaking demographic in the nation’s cultural fabric and welcomed efforts to make cricket more accessible to all residents.

The meeting also addressed the future of the nation’s most promising cricketing exports. Cabinet held extensive discussions on the development of Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph, and Karima Gore, pledging to provide the necessary resources, including specialised training, mentorship, and international exposure, to facilitate their continued growth and advancement on the world stage.

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a US $2.1 million readiness grant to boost Jamaica’s ability to access climate finance and build resilience to a changing climate.

The request for the funding had been submitted by the Belize-based Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and will help Jamaica access international climate financing and develop a pipeline of projects needed to protect its people, economy and environment. The Catalysing Climate Action by building Jamaica’s NDA Capacity and Country Investment Platform grant proposal was developed under the UK-funded Small Island Developing States Capacity and Resilience Programme (SIDAR) for the Caribbean, which aims to increase Caribbean Member states’ access to climate finance and accelerate climate-resilient action across the region.

Jamaica is the first CARICOM country to receive approval for its proposal since the GCF launched a new four-year readiness strategy, which took effect in January 2024.

The CCCCC said that the rant reinforces its mandate, on behalf of CARICOM member states, by enhancing their ability to access and effectively deploy climate finance, while strengthening institutional capacity to plan for, respond to and build resilience against the effects of climate change.

The CCCCC said that the approval of this project is timely as Jamaica continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm on record to make landfall on the island last October.

The losses and damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, equivalent to 56.7 per cent of Jamaica’s 2024 gross domestic product (GDP), underscore the urgency of accessible, large-

‘The government of Jamaica welcomes the continued partnership with the GCF especially considering our post Hurricane Melissa environment. The mobilization of US $2.1million is important to Jamaica’s work in building climate resilience,’ said Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda.

Under the grant, Jamaica will modernise its data and knowledge sharing systems and deliver a comprehensive training programme to build national capacity to design and finance climate projects.

A central outcome will be the creation of a Climate Investment Platform, which will match bankable projects to the most appropriate sources of finance, helping the country attract investment at the scale and speed that its recovery and long-term resilience demand.

The grant will also establish a Project Management Unit in the Nationally Designated Authority (NDA) office to support the work of the Climate Investment Platform.

CCCCC’s executive director, Dr. Colin Young, said the GCF investment will help ensure that Jamaica can increase its access to large scale and programmatic climate finance as it pursues climate-resilient recovery.

‘Given Jamaica’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters and the urgent need of climate finance at scale to build resilience, this US$ 2.1 million investment from the GCF will strengthen the country’s capacity to access greater levels of climate finance that ultimately will protect lives and livelihoods across Jamaica, including areas significantly impacted by Melissa.

‘The CCCCC remains steadfast in supporting Jamaica to mobilise greater scale of climate finance as well as provide technical expertise and partnerships to accelerate climate action to ensure a more resilient future for all Jamaicans.’

Director of the GCF’s Department for the Latin America and the Caribbean region, Kristin Lang, said the Fund is pleased to approve readiness support for Jamaica to establish a Country Investment Platform.

‘These platforms serve as vital mechanisms to bring government, the private sector, and development partners together in a unified process to identify resilient policies and investments, while aligning public and private finance, both international and domestic.

‘GCF is proud to be a partner of choice in bringing these platforms to life through our flagship Readiness Programme, the largest climate-focused institutional strengthening and technical assistance programme in the world,’ Lang added.

Police are continuing their investigations into the death of a former colleague, who died in custody while awaiting extradition to the United States on cocaine trafficking and firearms charges.

Police said that Raphael Joseph, 32, was pronounced dead at the Arima Hospital on Wednesday morning after he was found unresponsive in a separation cell at the prison. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted next week to determine the cause of deathHe was among three Trinidad and Tobago nationals arrested on December 30, 2025, during a joint operation involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Vetted Unit, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service’s Special Investigative Unit (SIU) and the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU).

The others arrested were Michael McSween and Clevon Persad. They were wanted under provisional arrest warrants issued in connection with an indictment filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

They were charged with conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, along with firearms-related offences, arising from a 2024 DEA investigation.

Cabinet Minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley has vowed to clear his name as he faces charges stemming from an Integrity Commission report into his financial affairs.

The anti-corruption body recommended that Wheatley face four charges, including illicit enrichment. The recommendation was revealed Wednesday after the Integrity Commission’s report was tabled in the House of Representatives.

Wheatley, who is Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, is the first of eight parliamentarians being investigated by the Commission for possible illicit enrichment, to have a report tabled.

Illicit enrichment relates to public officials being unable to satisfactorily explain assets that exceed their lawful income.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Wednesday after the report was tabled, Wheatley stated that he will be vindicated when the dust settles.

‘I have every intention of protecting my reputation. It is a matter that somewhere or the other can affect all of us as members in this House. And so my team of lawyers will bring to the fore, to the public, that I am innocent, that the conclusions are inaccurate and that we have a responsibility to encourage anyone from any humble beginning or otherwise, who wish to serve his or her country, not to be afraid because of persons who would want to defame them or destroy their reputation,’ he said.

His statement came after strict instructions were given not to venture too far into the report.

The Commission said Wheatley was given the opportunity to account for how he acquired the assets, but a satisfactory explanation was not provided.

The Integrity Commission is recommending that Wheatley be charged with knowingly making false statements in statutory declarations under two pieces of legislation, failing without reasonable cause to provide information requested by the Director of Information and Complaints, and illicit enrichment.

In a statement, Wheatley rejected as ‘false, inaccurate and grossly misleading’ the Integrity Commission’s claim of assets being disproportionate to his earnings.