Category: CANA News

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and Barbados’ Ministry of Finance have launched discussions aimed at expanding access to financing for local businesses as the country seeks to accelerate export-led growth and economic transformation.

The high-level Private Sector Dialogue, held earlier this week, brought together business leaders, financial institutions, government agencies and policymakers to explore how CAF’s financing instruments can help Barbadian firms expand operations, increase exports and improve competitiveness.

Finance Minister Ryan Straughn said Barbados is placing the private sector at the center of its growth strategy, emphasizing that stronger export performance will require greater investment and leadership from businesses.

“Export-led growth is not a government project with the private sector as cheerleaders on the sideline,” Straughn said. “It requires investment, risk and bold commercial decision-making.”

He noted that after years of fiscal reforms under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme, the focus is now on creating a more dynamic and globally competitive economy.

CAF Regional Manager for the Caribbean and Representative in Barbados, Dr. Stacy Richards-Kennedy, said the discussions were designed to identify practical opportunities for collaboration.

“If we are serious about economic growth, jobs, exports and resilience, then the private sector cannot be on the margins of development. It has to be at the centre,” she said.

Richards-Kennedy pointed to positive economic projections from the Central Bank of Barbados, which indicate that continued public and private investment in infrastructure, renewable energy and tourism projects will support growth and employment in the coming years.

She also highlighted the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs), noting that they can help mobilize private capital and expertise to advance national development priorities.

CAF Vice President for Private Sector, Antonio Silveira, outlined a range of financing options available to businesses, including loans, credit facilities, risk guarantees, equity investments and technical support for project development.

He said CAF’s priorities align closely with Barbados’ BERT 3.0 agenda, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, renewable energy, digital transformation and capital market expansion.

CAF approved US$10.3 billion in private-sector operations in 2025, accounting for more than half of its total approvals for the year. The institution has also expanded support across the Caribbean, including a US$35 million financing facility for small and medium-sized enterprises in Trinidad and Tobago.

The bank is currently working with the Caribbean Development Bank and other regional partners to develop additional financing mechanisms aimed at strengthening private sector growth throughout the Caribbean.

Sri Lanka trail a West Indies Select XI by 167 runs with nine wickets remaining at the close of play on the first day of their four-day warmup match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground here on Thursday.

Scores

WEST INDIES SELECT XI 205 in 61.4 overs (Kirk McKenzie 58, Keemo Paul 36, Kevin Wickham 20, Nial Smith 19 not out, Ojay Shields 16, Ackeem Auguste 12, Alzarri Joseph 12; Lahiru Kumara 4-39, Asitha Fernando 2-26).

SRI LANKA 38 for one in eight overs (Nishan Madushka 25 not out).

Safeguarding Jamaica’s children from exploitation, particularly child labour, requires the active involvement of citizens, families, employers, and communities.

According to the State Minister in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Donovan Williams, public vigilance and timely reporting are critical in the fight against child labour.

He was speaking during the Ministry’s recent World Day Against Child Labour Jingle Competition Awards Ceremony.

“If you suspect a child is being exploited or engaged in harmful work, please report it. Swift action depends on timely information, and every report matters,” he urged.

He also noted that child labour remains a significant concern both globally and locally, as it undermines children’s education, health, and overall development.

“Whenever a child is placed in harmful work, that child’s future is placed at risk. Education can be interrupted, health and safety threatened, and opportunities for personal development diminished.”

He pointed to this year’s jingle competition theme, ‘Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults, as a clear call for stronger action to eliminate the practice.

“I think this is a fitting depiction of our seriousness and our intention to eradicate child labour, not only in Jamaica but globally.”

Williams stressed that every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential in environments that nurture growth and well-being.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and develop their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment,” he said.

While acknowledging that children can benefit from undertaking suitable household responsibilities and supervised activities, the State Minister explained that child labour occurs when work becomes damaging or interferes with a youngster’s development.

He also highlighted Jamaica’s legal framework for protecting children, citing the Child Care and Protection Act and the Employment (Prohibition of Child Labour) Act.

“These laws set the boundaries and the underpinnings, and they assign clear responsibilities to employers, parents and the State alike,” he noted.

Additionally, the State Minister pointed out that economic and social challenges often contribute to situations where children become vulnerable to exploitation, noting that child labour frequently stems from the hardships and social pressures facing families and communities.

“We must protect our children, support families and ensure that every child has access to education, opportunity and a safe environment in which to thrive,” he maintained.

The State Minister also encouraged Jamaicans to continue championing the rights and welfare of children.

“Let us leave here today with a renewed commitment to raise awareness, to speak up when children are at risk and to work together to ensure that every Jamaican child is free to learn, grow and pursue their dreams without fear, without exploitation and without limitations,” he said.

West Indies Women reached 153 for six in 20 overs after being sent in by Scotland Women in the 12th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Headingley here on Thursday.

WEST INDIES WOMEN 153-6 in 20 overs (Stafanie Taylor 47 not out, Shemaine Campbelle 36, Jahzara Claxton 16, Deandra Dottin 14, Hayley Matthews 14, Qiana Joseph 13; Katherine Fraser 2-34).

Scoreboard of the 12th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup between West Indies Women and Scotland Women at Headingley here on Thursday.

WEST INDIES WOMEN

Qiana Joseph c Fraser b Slater 13

*Hayley Matthews b Fraser 14

+Shemaine Campbelle run out 36

Deandra Dottin st S Bryce b K Bryce 14

Jahzara Claxton c K Bryce b Fraser 16

Chinelle Henry lbw b Gordon 4

Stafanie Taylor not out 47

Jannillea Glasgow not out 4

Extras (lb2, w3) 5

TOTAL (six wickets; 20 overs) 153

Did not bat: Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack.

Fall of wickets: 1-24, 2-44, 3-79, 4-80, 5-85, 6-122.

Bowling: K Bryce 4-0-30-1, Fontenla 2-0-13-0, Slater 4-0-23-1, Fraser 4-0-34-2, Gordon 4-0-36-1, Abel 1-0-10-0, Carter 1-0-5-0.

SCOTLAND WOMEN

Darcey Carter c&b Alleyne 59

Katherine Fraser b Matthews 20

*Kathryn Bryce c Henry b Matthews 0

+Sarah Bryce c Dottin b Fletcher 4

Megan McColl lbw b Matthews 1

Priyanaz Chatterji c Henry b Fletcher 8

Ailsa Lister b Alleyne 33

Rachel Slater c (sub) Mangru b Joseph 7

Kirstie Gordon b Alleyne 0

Chloe Abel not out

Gabriellla Fontenia run out 3

Extras (b1, nb3, w7) 11

TOTAL (all out; 20 overs) 146

Fall of wickets: 1-51, 2-51, 3-57, 4-58, 5-74, 6-132, 7-137, 8-137, 9-143, 10-146.

Bowling: Henry 1-0-14-0, Dottin 2-0-26-0, Alleyne 2-0-11-3, Matthews 4-0-19-3, Ramharack 4-0-32-0, Fletcher 4-0-16-2, Joseph 3-0-27-1.

Toss: Scotland Women elected to field.

Player-of-the-Match: Stafanie Taylor.

Result: West Indies Women won by seven runs.

Umpires: Claire Polosak, Kerrin Klaaste.

TV Umpire: N Janani.

Reserve Umpire: Nimali Perera.

Match Referee: GS Lakshmi.

The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico have begun discussions to strengthen cooperation in judicial matters, focusing on the exchange of legal expertise, institutional collaboration, and academic training for public servants in both jurisdictions.

The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Dominican Minister of Justice Antoliano Peralta, Puerto Rico’s Secretary of Justice Lourdes Gómez Torres, and Puerto Rican Attorney General Omar Andino Figueroa at the headquarters of the Dominican Ministry of Justice.

During the meeting, officials compared the functions and structures of their respective legal institutions and expressed interest in developing joint initiatives, including academic exchange programs, internships, and specialized training opportunities for judicial and legal personnel.

The Dominican delegation included several vice ministers, along with Penitentiary Services Director Roberto Santana and ISEEPENC Rector Jaime Francisco Rodríguez. Authorities highlighted the value of sharing experiences and best practices to strengthen the administration of justice in both territories.

West Indies Women defeated Scotland Women by seven runs in the 12th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Headingley here on Thursday.

WEST INDIES WOMEN 153-6 in 20 overs (Stafanie Taylor 47 not out, Shemaine Campbelle 36, Jahzara Claxton 16, Deandra Dottin 14, Hayley Matthews 14, Qiana Joseph 13; Katherine Fraser 2-34).

SCOTLAND WOMEN 146 in 20 overs (Darcey Carter 59, Ailsa Lister 33, Katherine Fraser 20; Aaliyah Alleyne 3-11, Hayley Matthews 3-19, Afy Fletcher 2-16).

Scotland Women elected to field after winning the toss against West Indies Women in the 12th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Headingley here on Thursday.

West Indies Women have made two changes with Chinelle Henry and Stafanie Taylor replacing Zaida James and Shawnisha Hector.

WEST INDIES WOMEN: Hayley Matthews (captain), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle, 4 Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack.

SCOTLAND WOMEN: Kathryn Bryce (captain), Darcey Carter, Katherine Fraser, Sarah Bryce, Ailsa Lister, Megan McColl, Priyanaz Chatterji, Rachel Slater, Chloe Abel, Kirstie Gordon, Gabriella Fontenla.

West Indies Women dug deep to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against Scotland Women and improve their chances of securing a semifinal berth in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling seven-run victory here on Thursday.

Firstly, veteran Stafanie Taylor used all her experience in a crucial, boundary laden knock of 47 off 19 balls that helped revive West Indies Women’s stuttering innings and get them up to 153 for six in their 20 overs after they were sent in to bat.

The Windies then defied a stubborn half century by opener Darcey Carter and a defiant knock by Ailsa Lister, to bowl out their opponents for 146 off the last ball of the match.

The result left them in second place in Group B with two wins from their two matches, trailing the also unbeaten England Women by net run rate.

A win for the Windies did not seem to be on the cards after Scotland had batted themselves in a strong position in their run chase.

Openers Carter and Katherine Fraser gave them a perfect start by blasting 51 runs off the first five overs.

However, captain Hayley Matthews brought the match back on even terms by bowling Fraser with the first ball of the sixth over and then having opposing skipper Kathryn Bryce caught two balls later for a duck to make the score 51 for two.

Sarah Bryce made just four before picking out Deandra Dottin at backward point off spinner Afy Fletcher and when Matthews returned the next over to trap Megan McColl lbw for one, Scotland were in dire trouble at 58 for four in the eighth over.

West Indies seemed headed for an easy victory when Fletcher dismissed Priyanaz Chatterji to make the score 74 for five in the 11th over.

But Carter and Lister brought Scotland back into the contest with a 58-run partnership for the sixth wicket that completely changed the complexion of the match.

During the stand, Carter, who battled a leg injury during her innings, brought up her 10th T20I half century off 53 balls.

Medium pacer Dottin started the 17th over in horrible fashion by bowling three wides, while Lister smashed her for two boundaries – the second of which saw her break down in tears.

After being consoled by her teammates, Dottin returned to concede a solitary run from her two final deliveries to leave Scotland needing 22 runs off the last 12 balls.

But Aaliyah Alleyne struck a crucial blow by dismissing Carter off the first ball of the penultimate over after she scored 59 off 62 balls, and followed up by grabbing the key wicket of Lister for 33 off 25 balls and Kirstie Gordon for a duck with the last two deliveries of the over to see Scotland slump to 137 for eight.

With 17 runs required off the last over, Qiana Joseph held her nerve to concede just 10 runs while also accounting for the wicket of Rachel Slater, with last batter Gabriella Fontenla being run out off the last ball.

Alleyne finished with 3-11 and is now tied for the most wickets in the tournament (7), Matthews took 3-19, while Fletcher supported with 2-16.

Earlier, the Windies needed the efforts of Taylor, who was named Player-of-the-Match, after their batters failed to build on promising starts.

Joseph made just 13 before being dismissed by Slater, Matthews scored a sluggish 14 off 22 balls, Dottin contributed 14 and Jahzara Claxton made 16 runs, with only Shemaine Campbelle, who scored 36 off 26 balls, putting up any real resistance.

The Windies were struggling at 85 for five following the loss of Chinelle Henry in the 15th over, when Taylor arrived at the crease.

She wasted little time in belting four fours and three sixes, and shared an unbroken partnership of 31 off 14 balls with Jannillea Glasgow that ultimately carried the Windies to a respectable total.

Fraser was Scotland’s best bowler with 2-34.

The West Indies’ next match will be against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

With Guyana’s rapidly expanding oil and gas sector facing an increasing demand for skilled workers, ExxonMobil has commissioned a comprehensive workforce study to assess the country’s labour capacity and future needs.

Speaking on Wednesday, ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge said the industrial baseline study, expected to be completed later this year, will evaluate the current workforce, the training capabilities of educational institutions, and the anticipated demand for skilled labour across multiple sectors of the economy.

According to Routledge, the study is intended to help policymakers and industry leaders better understand how to meet future workforce needs while avoiding the so-called “Dutch Disease,” where rapid growth in one sector drains talent and resources from the wider economy.

“It will help us understand both the existing workforce capacity and what additional training and skills development are needed, while also identifying future labour demand, not only in oil and gas but across the economy,” he said.

Routledge acknowledged that labour shortages are becoming an increasing challenge as Guyana prepares for additional offshore developments.

“It is becoming harder to find additional Guyanese workers, particularly those with the advanced skills and expertise required by a highly technical industry such as oil and gas,” he noted.

The ExxonMobil executive emphasized the critical role of the education sector in developing the workforce needed to support the country’s economic expansion.

Latest figures up to December 31, 2025, show that Guyanese nationals account for 68 percent of the oil and gas sector workforce, with women representing about one-third of that total. Within ExxonMobil’s own workforce, more than half of of employees are women.

Routledge also revealed that approximately 1,800 Guyanese are currently employed in offshore operations, many having received specialized training overseas.

While ExxonMobil does not directly employ the large field workforces maintained by major contractors such as SBM Offshore, SAIPEM, and Baker Hughes, Routledge said the figures demonstrate that Guyana has a growing pool of workers ready to participate in the industry.

“What we need to do collectively is continue building capacity, strengthening skills, and ensuring the workforce is accessible and welcoming to everyone,” he said.

The study comes as Guyana continues to experience unprecedented economic growth driven by oil production, with several new offshore projects expected to come on stream in the coming years.