Category: CANA News

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

ST. GEORGE’S – The Grenada government Wednesday defended its policy if seeking to deepen diplomatic and other relations with the African continent, condemning those whom it said were not in favour of establishing relations with ‘people from the mother continent’.

PORT OF SPAIN – The 25-year-old woman, accused of manslaughter following the police involved shooting that left her 31-year-old common law husband dead on January 20, this year, has been released on TT$700,000 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) bail.

KINGSTON – National Security and Peace Minister Dr. Horace Chang says Jamaica’s sovereignty has not been compromised during the ongoing discussions with the United States to accept a limited number of non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees.

PORT OF SPAIN – Police have arrested Kaia Sealy early Wednesday morning as she returned from the United States where she had been undergoing medical treatment following the police involved shooting of her 31-year-old common law husband on January 20, this year.

BRIDGETOWN – The Barbados government is concerned at the increase in over the counter medicines and illicit substances by young people, who are bypassing pharmacies and using mobile phones and the internet to research and mix potent substances.

SANTIAGO – The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) says Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) must make progress on digital inclusion, putting it at the center of its public policies.

SPORTS:

ST. JOHN’S – Tevin Imlach of Guyana has been appointed captain of the West Indies Select XI for the upcoming four-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka, set to bowl off from June 18-21 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

GEORGETOWN – The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has made a definitive statement of intent, appointing seasoned international coach Alan Walls as the new Head Coach of the Guyana Men’s National Basketball Team.

Caribbean agriculture ministers have discussed plans for advancing a capital-first approach to food systems transformation, positioning the sector as a viable and strategic asset class for investment across the region.

The one-day high-level Food Systems Investment Forum on Tuesday, organised by the United Nations Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, was held under the theme ‘Mobilizing Equity Capital for Resilient Food Systems in the Caribbean’ and was also attended by senior representatives from across the Caribbean, international financial institutions, private investors, and development partners. A statement issued following the event said the UN launched an official ‘Deal Book’ that highlights US$320 million in investment-ready opportunities across the region’s food systems. It said that this product is designed to continue the deal making commenced during the forum, and catalyze partnerships between investors and enterprises.

In his address to the forum, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Springett, speaking on the topic ‘From Policy to Capital Deployment,’ underscored the urgent need to bridge the financing gap in Caribbean food systems and unlock new sources of private capital.

He said that Caribbean food systems remained under pressure with capital flows misaligned, financing still dominated by loans or grants and patient equity largely absent. At the same time, he noted that private investment was also being directed into other sectors like real estate – and not into the productive food economy.

Springett urged governments to strengthen enabling environments and encouraged investors to recognise the emerging pipeline across agriculture fisheries, processing, and logistics.

‘The opportunity is here. Capital exists. But they are not connected in a structured and meaningful way. This forum is designed to change that …through a different kind of conversation – one that starts with capital: how investors assess risk, what makes a project bankable, and what actually unlocks deals,’ he said.

Chairman of International Asset Management and Managing Partner of the CaribGROW Fund, John Morris, noted that Caribbean businesses with proven revenue, experienced management, and defensible market positions can deliver genuine returns.

‘The challenge is not the opportunity, the challenge is capital,’ he noted, drawing on the New York Knicks basketball team in the United States as an analogy.

Morris described capital markets as a team sport, where success requires diverse actors working together. He credited multilateral institutions, development finance, regional banks, and governments for laying the foundations, but underscored that equity remains the missing ingredient.

‘Equity is where ownership, wealth creation, and wealth retention live,’ he said, warning that without it, businesses struggle to scale and remain vulnerable to foreign acquisition.

‘We take minority stakes, so families retain control and wealth stays in the region,’ he added.

Barbados Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security, , Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, noted the shared sense of purpose among participants.

‘This is an acknowledgement that we have come here to do something big and that is important. I also see in the room, people of like minds who I do not have to convince of the importance of the conversation, and the importance that dialogue around food systems has moved beyond just production.’

Framing food systems as one of the most significant economic and development opportunities for the Caribbean, Munro-Knight urged both governments and investors to recognize the transformative potential.

‘If you want an equation that answers one of the most fundamental challenges facing this region, our food security, while also enabling social and structural economic transformation, then you’re in the right place at the right time,’ she said.

Drawing parallels to the Bridgetown Initiative, she stressed that ‘meeting the moment’ requires innovative partnerships that treat Caribbean voices as equal at the table and rethink how capital is structured and delivered.

‘Food systems are about big things, logistics, agro-processing, cold chains, digital transformation, technology in agriculture. These are investable opportunities, big investable opportunities,’ she said as she called on private sector partners to walk alongside governments.

‘We’ve come to the table, meet us with your capital,’ she said.

The one-day Forum was designed to move beyond traditional dialogue by facilitating direct engagement between investors and governments, presenting investment-ready opportunities, and advancing transaction development and partnerships.

Participants engaged in investor roundtables, thematic sessions, and bilateral meetings aimed at accelerating capital deployment and scaling resilient food systems initiatives. By focusing on equity capital, blended finance, and market-driven solutions, the Forum sought to unlock the full economic and resilience potential of Caribbean food systems while advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 25-year-old woman, accused of manslaughter following the police involved shooting that left her 31-year-old common law husband dead on January 20, this year, has been released on TT$700,000 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) bail.

Kaia Sealy, who appeared virtually before Master Nazeera Ali in the Tunapuna Police Station on Wednesday, will return to court for a status hearing on October 8, with the sufficiency hearing set for October 22. Sealy was arrested early Wednesday morning as she returned from the United States where she had been undergoing medical treatment following the police involved shooting that left her 31-year-old common-law husband Joshua Samaroo dead.

The incident lead to public protest over the decision to lay charges against here and the action by the police in January.

Police had earlier issued a warrant for the arrest of Sealy on three counts of shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm at the police, manslaughter, with police alleging that Sealy, who was shot multiple times during the incident and left paralyzed, unlawfully killed Samaroo.

Since then, the police have added new charges of having a firearm; possession of ammunition; possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger life and discharging a firearm within 40 meters of a public place.

On Wednesday, state prosecutor Anthony Jacob told the court that the prosecution would rely on 30 witnesses and 42 witness statements, along with several exhibits, including certificates of analysis, toxicology reports, a post-mortem report and other physical evidence.

Jacob also requested an intimate DNA sample from Sealy, but she declined to provide one on the advice of her attorneys.

Defence attorney Larry Williams, who appeared with attorney Fayola Sandy, questioned the purpose of obtaining the DNA sample with Jacob indicating that investigators had recovered DNA samples from the vehicle involved in the incident.

Williams responded that any DNA recovered would ‘obviously be blood’ and argued there was no dispute that Sealy had been inside the vehicle.

‘So why would you need her DNA to compare with blood when there is no issue that she was in the car?’ Williams submitted.

Jacob said the case file would be sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions within the next 30 days for the appointment of State counsel.

Master Ali ordered that the prosecution serve its witness statements by August 24, while the defence has until September 25 to respond. A status hearing has been scheduled for October 8, with the sufficiency hearing set for October 22.

The prosecution did not object to bail with Sealy’ s lawyers stating that their client is the mother of a five-year-old child and requires periodic travel to Boston, United States, for ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation following the shooting.

They said that Sealy posed no flight risk, saying she had voluntarily returned to Trinidad and Tobago after receiving medical treatment abroad and would continue to return whenever required by the court.

They said that while in the United States she would reside at an address in Massachusetts, and locally she would live with her mother.

Jacob said that while the State normally requests the surrender of a defendant’s passport in such cases, it would not be making that application. Instead, the prosecution asked that it be notified whenever Sealy intends to leave the country.

In a move set to blend the worlds of elite football and Caribbean luxury, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) has officially announced a new, multi-year global partnership with Arsenal Football Club, making the island the club’s official destination partner.

The agreement, which kicks off at the start of the 2026/27 season, arrives at a time when both the Gunners and the island are riding waves of momentum. Fresh off their triumphs as Premier League and Champions Cup winners, Arsenal will now carry the colours of Saint Lucia across the globe, delivering significant exposure for the Eastern Caribbean nation in key markets, including the United Kingdom, one of the island’s primary sources of visitors.

With a population of just over 180,500, Saint Lucia is already renowned for its dramatic landscapes, from the iconic volcanic Pitons to lush rainforests and golden sand beaches.

However, this partnership is about more than postcard-perfect scenery. It is a strategic push to harness Arsenal’s immense global fanbase, one of the largest in world sport, to drive tourism arrivals and showcase the island’s vibrant culture and heritage to millions of receptive supporters.

‘We are entering an exciting term as Arsenal’s Official Destination Partner,’ said Dr Ernest Hilaire, Saint Lucia’s Minister for Tourism, Investment, Commerce, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage. ‘As Premier League and Champions Cup champions, Arsenal begins the new season with momentum, while Saint Lucia continues to record strong visitor arrivals. This partnership is grounded in shared values of social responsibility, resilience and sustainability. We look forward to showcasing Saint Lucia’s vibrant culture, dynamic events calendar and natural beauty to Arsenal supporters worldwide.’

Beyond the boardroom and the pitch, the collaboration carries a profound social mandate. The agreement will support the development of an Academy Hub in Saint Lucia, creating mentorship and clear pathways for young local players to develop their talent and reach their full potential, fostering a sense of pride and belonging on the island.

On the commercial side, Saint Lucia will enjoy premium brand visibility at the Emirates Stadium, across Premier League matches, the Women’s Super League, and cup fixtures, reaching millions of viewers both in the stands and on screens worldwide.

The partnership also extends into Arsenal’s powerful digital ecosystem, ensuring the island’s ‘Let Her Inspire You’ campaign will be amplified through both the men’s and women’s first teams, alongside supporter engagement initiatives and international promotions.

‘We’re delighted to partner with Saint Lucia, a world-renowned destination with a rich history and culture, that shares our values of community and an always-forward mindset,’ said Juliet Slot, Chief Commercial Officer for Arsenal Football Club. ‘We want every Gooner, whether they’re in Islington or Saint Lucia, whether they’ve been supporting us for fifty years or five, to feel and see themselves in our club. This is an exciting partnership that gives us this opportunity and will help fuel our ambitions of growth and success.’

The deal with Arsenal marks the latest high-profile addition to the SLTA’s growing portfolio of sports collaborations, which already includes partnerships with the New York Yankees, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Brooklyn Nets.

As Saint Lucia continues to expand its sports tourism offerings, attracting international teams and athletes across football, cricket, rugby, and swimming, this alliance with the North London giants signals a clear ambition to become the Caribbean’s premier destination for both travel and sport.

The Bermuda government says the recent passage of the Electricity Amendment Act is not intended to weaken the independent role of the Regulatory Authority.

Home Affairs Minister Alexa N. H. Lightbourne, said the amendments are to ensure that Bermuda’s energy future is shaped not only by technical considerations, but also by an understanding of affordability, reliability, and national impact. ‘At the same time, the legislation strengthens the long-term planning framework for the electricity sector. It places the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) firmly in the public domain, reinforces the independence of the regulator, and opens the process to the wider community, including businesses, households, and sectors that depend on reliable power.

‘For too long, the structure of the sector has allowed one entity to play multiple roles in shaping and benefiting from the plan. When the body that helps define the plan also brings forward projects for approval, the plan risks losing its purpose as a guiding framework. These reforms address that imbalance and restore transparency and accountability,’ she said in a statement.

Lightbourne said every household and business in Bermuda depends on reliable and affordable electricity and that decisions about the island’s energy future affect the monthly bills paid by families, the operating costs faced by businesses, and the overall competitiveness of our economy.

She said the IRP remains in place, and technical and engineering decisions remain with those who have the expertise to make them.

‘What has changed is the recognition that decisions about Bermuda’s energy future do not exist in a vacuum. They have real consequences for the people who pay the bills. When decisions affect every electricity customer, it is reasonable, and necessary, that the elected government ensures that the broader public interest is considered.

‘The people of Bermuda do not elect regulators; they elect a government to safeguard their interests, particularly when essential services are involved,’ she said.

Lightbourne said that in 2019, Bermuda set an ambitious goal to reach approximately 85 per cent renewable energy by 2035. But she said the progress has not matched that ambition, and projections indicate continued reliance on fossil fuels in the years ahead.

‘The transition that was promised has not yet been fully realised. International examples show that change is possible. Jurisdictions with similar constraints, such as isolated grids and high energy costs, have successfully expanded renewable energy, increased competition, and delivered savings to consumers.

‘Bermuda’s path must be tailored to our own realities, but these examples demonstrate what can be achieved with the right framework. Some will describe these changes as interference. In reality, they introduce transparency where it has been lacking and ensure that decision-making reflects the interests of the public,’ she added.

The Home Affairs Minister said that the amendments are deliberately narrow, applying only in defined circumstances and in the public interest.

‘They do not give Ministers open-ended control, nor do they undermine the regulator’s independence. An energy system must serve everyone who depends on it, and everyone depends on it. Reliability is essential. Affordable electricity is essential. A successful transition to cleaner energy is essential.

‘This is why the process must be open, inclusive, and accountable. Every stakeholder, from households and small businesses to major industries and community organisations has a role in shaping Bermuda’s energy future. ‘

She said that the plan now belongs to the people of Bermuda and ‘together, we have the opportunity to build an energy future that protects affordability, strengthens reliability, and delivers the transition that our country has long been promised’.

The Barbados government is concerned at the increase in over the counter medicines and illicit substances by young people, who are bypassing pharmacies and using mobile phones and the internet to research and mix potent substances.

People Empowerment Minister Adrian Forde in his contribution to the Barbados Medical Products Bill, told Parliament that the Mia Mottley administration is very concerned over the pattern of substance abuse among young people that has shifted towards a dangerous mix of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and illegal drugs. ‘The poly-drug usage is causing sleepless nights for a lot of us, especially as MPs, members of cabinet,’ Forde said, adding ‘I think it causes sleepless nights for the prime minister.

‘The various drugs now, and the new drugs being used by not only adults, but the new advanced drugs being used and combinations by our young people.’

Poly-drug use refers to the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another. It can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications.

Forde noted the growing, largely unregulated trend in which young people bypass pharmacies, using mobile phones and the internet to research and mix potent substances, saying ‘here we have in this country a culture now creeping in where young persons are taking medication over the counter’

He told legislators that these young people ‘go to a lot of non-pharmacies.

‘They ain’t getting advice from the pharmacist, but because they have this cell phone, they have internet, they’re going and research different drugs, the different combinations, how to do this and how to do that.’

He also warned of the trend involving cough syrups containing codeine phosphate, which are being bought off the shelf and mixed with soft drinks and sweets to create a substance known as ‘lean’.

‘What those young people are doing now is taking those things, mixing them with Sprite and what’s not, Jolly Ranchers and calling it ‘lean’. Well, they lean themselves into trouble… the ones in Barbados, young people leaning not only on the side, they leaning upside down because after they’re taking these products, they can’t remember the activities that they are involved in.

‘I believe that this is one of the biggest fights that we must now, as a country, come together and unite and fight against the polydrug use by persons in Barbados,’ Forde said, noting illegal imports such as synthetic stimulants which are entering Barbados disguised as supplements.

‘Coming across our borders, we are having drugs, ecstasy, methamphetamine, we call it the ‘Mollies’. Mollies are being imported under the guise of vitamins That is where the pharmacovigilance must come into place.

‘That is where the vigilance at the port must come into play. If you are saying that it is yohimbe or ginseng in capsule form, then it is tested randomly. The lab report must come to show that it is indeed yohimbe, ginseng, or any other vitamin and not methamphetamine, as is the case sometimes.’

The Barbados Medical Products Bill proposes a stricter regulatory and enforcement system, repealing the 1950 Therapeutic Substance Act and updating existing drug control rules. Under the legislation, inspectors will have the authority to enter and search premises suspected of distributing behaviour-altering substances.

Forde warned of stiff penalties for those who breach the law, including falsifying prescriptions or tampering with labels.

‘Persons could be subject to an offence under the act…You can be charged on summary conviction, which is the magistrate’s court, of BDS$50,000 (One BDS dollar=US$0.50 cents) or five years in prison.

‘I advocate fine because you are dealing with people’s lives, you are dealing with life and death. We cannot afford to lose a life by playing Russian roulette with people and their medication, he said, noting the antimicrobial resistance globally as a major threat alongside climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

The state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Wednesday said it will introduce daily non-stop flights between Toronto and Georgetown, effective July 1, this year providing customers with greater flexibility and convenience .

‘Guyana remains one of the airline’s most important and fastest-growing markets. The introduction of daily Toronto to Georgetown flights reflects our commitment to meeting customer demand and strengthening connectivity between Guyana and North America,’ said the airline’s acting chief executive officer, Varma Khillawan. ‘Whether travelling for business, leisure, education or to reconnect with family and friends, customers will now benefit from greater flexibility and convenience throughout the summer season and beyond,’ Khillawan added.

CAL said that the expanded schedule comes at a time when travel demand between Canada and Guyana continues to grow, driven by strong business, leisure and family travel. It said that the daily service will offer increased capacity and more travel options for customers while supporting tourism, trade and economic activity between the two countries.

‘The enhanced service also supports Guyana’s continued economic expansion and growing international profile, while facilitating travel for members of the Guyanese diaspora residing in Canada,’ CAL said in a statement.

‘As the region’s leading carrier, Caribbean Airlines continues to invest in its network and fleet to provide reliable service and seamless connections across the Caribbean, North America and South America,’ it added.

The Grenada government Wednesday defended its policy if seeking to deepen diplomatic and other relations with the African continent, condemning those whom it said were not in favour of establishing relations with ‘people from the mother continent’.

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Export Development Minister Joseph Andall, told a news conference that he was disappointed at the concerning Grenada’s visa policy. ‘Some of them quite outlandish. Some of them reflective, I would say, of a self-hatred, a learned self-hatred on the part of some black people. I’m going to be blunt about that.

‘When we hear people who look like us impute that people from the mother continent should be barred from coming into Grenada, we can only shake our head in pity at the ignorance of such people,’ Andall told reporters.

Andall said that the objective of Grenada’s foreign policy initiative is to encourage movement of people, movement of goods and services.

‘We’re a tiny country and it is in our interest to diversify our partnerships, to reach out not only to Africa but to other parts of the world. While some parts of the world look more inward and become more insular, we have to consider that as a tiny country trying to go it alone or trying to exclude others from partnerships is not in our interest’.

‘So on the question of air links, this has been an ongoing conversation, not just between Grenada and West Africa but between the many countries in the Caribbean’.

Andall insists that there’s great potential for tourism, for example’ and that many many individuals, not only in Nigeria but in other parts of Africa, with high net worth.

‘Many of them are looking for places to invest. Many of them are looking for places that will welcome them as tourists. When we had the Afreximbank event last year, we had close to 2,000 visitors from Africa outside of the regular tourism.

‘The boost that that gave, it was a massive shot in the arm for the local tourism industry. Yes, it was a one-off event, but we are constantly seeking to make sure that the contacts between Africa and Grenada are not episodic but are ongoing.’

Andall said that St. George’s is actively looking at ways to ensure that there’s air connectivity between Africa and Grenada ‘because even if you have the visa waiver agreements but you do not have the direct flights, it will be more symbolic than anything else since as it stands currently, to move from the Caribbean to Africa or vice versa, unless you have a chartered flight, you must go through a third country which usually requires visa access, even if you’re going through in transit’.

Andall said that Caribbean businesses are already investing in Africa, saying ‘I was pleasantly surprised when I went to Ghana to see branches of the Trinidadian Bank, the Republic Bank in Africa.

‘So yes, not only is it desirable, it is possible, it is happening, and we have to continue to boost that type of contact, business, trade, investment, tourism, recreation, education, and whatever else is possible.’

Andall said he wanted to make it clear that Grenada’s recent diplomatic thrusts and initiatives form ‘an important component of the country’s foreign policy and international engagement strategy.

‘Through bilateral agreements and reciprocal arrangements, Grenada seeks to facilitate travel, strengthen diplomatic relations, promote tourism and investment, and enhance people-to-people exchanges.’

He said currently, Grenada maintains visa waiver agreements and arrangements with 100 countries worldwide and while this may ‘sound like a lot, but when you consider that the United Nations has about 193 members, it shows that we still have a long way to go’.

Andall said that these agreements permit holders of Grenadian passports and citizens to travel for specified periods without the requirement to obtain a visa in advance, subject to the immigration laws and conditions of each country. (

‘Grenada’s visa waiver arrangements span several regions, including the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Africa, and other regions such as the Pacific.’.

Andall said that the benefits of the visa waiver agreements include facilitating easier international travel for business, tourism, education, and cultural exchange purposes, strengthening bilateral and diplomatic relations with partner countries, enhancing trade and investment opportunities, promoting tourism arrivals and economic activity as well as supporting international cooperation and mobility

‘The government of Grenada remains steadfast in advancing a foreign policy agenda that supports national development priorities, strengthens international partnerships, and safeguards the security and integrity of Grenadian travel documents.’

He said in alignment with Grenada’s sustainable development goals and the national aspirations, the government recognises that enhanced global connectivity and strategic international engagement are essential pillars for economic transformation, investment promotion, tourism development, trade expansion, and opportunities for Grenadian citizens.

‘Accordingly, any visa waiver arrangement entered by Grenada with others is carefully negotiated in accordance with international law, the principles of reciprocity, and the overarching national interest while maintaining robust security standards and protecting the value of the Grenadian passport.’

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro has called on friends and relatives to ‘be attentive to the wellbeing of those around them,’ after a police constable died from a self inflicted wound on Tuesday.

‘Sudden changes in behaviour, withdrawal, expressions of distress, or signs that someone is not coping should never be ignored. A simple check in, a conversation, or an offer of support may help save a life,’ Guevarro said. Media reports said that PC Yohanis Joseph died at the Sangre Grande police station shortly after reporting for duty and collecting his service-issued firearm.

Police said that another officer assigned to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), who was also on duty at the station, sustained an injury to his foot during the incident and has been treated at hospital.

In a statement, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said it is ‘deeply saddened by the unfortunate circumstances that resulted in the death of one of our officers’ and that the matter is now engaging the full attention of investigators in the Eastern Division.

It extended ‘heartfelt condolences to the officer’s family, colleagues, and loved ones as they navigate this painful and unexpected loss’ adding that ‘this tragic event is a solemn reminder that many among us; officers and civilians alike, may be carrying heavy, unseen burdens.

‘Anyone can feel overwhelmed, and no one should face those moments in isolation. We encourage individuals who may be struggling with personal, emotional, or situational pressures to reach out to someone they trust or seek professional support,’ the TTPS said, adding that ‘asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness’.

National Security and Peace Minister Dr. Horace Chang Wednesday confirmed that Jamaica is in negoiations with the United States to accept no more than 25 non-criminal third-country nationals and refugees.

Chang told the weekly post Cabinet newsconference that Jamaica is not receiving any deportees from the United States, except Jamaicans.

‘Can I repeat that? We are not accepting, we have no agreement, no understanding to accept deportees from the United States.We accept every month 100 Jamaican deportees and we have the expertise and the staff to manage their entry into Jamaica.’

Chang told reporters that this arrangement is negotiated by professionals so that they those Jamaicans being sent home ‘can come in in a structured, organised manner and be resettled in Jamaica, their homeland.

‘The cost of that is all Jamaican. We are receiving, and we have no agreement to, our understanding is to receive convicts from the United States.’