Category: CANA News

The Department of the Environment (DOE) says it is investigating whether a contamination event had led to the ongoing fish kill issue reported in the Belize River Valley area.

The DOE said in collaboration with several stakeholders, including the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) a joint assessment of the affected areas is being undertaken. The Department of the Environment (DOE) says it is investigating whether a contamination event had led to the ongoing fish kill issue reported in the Belize River Valley area.

The DOE said in collaboration with several stakeholders, including the Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) a joint assessment of the affected areas is being undertaken.

The Antigua-based regional airline, LIAT 2020 has launched a new programme coinciding with its second anniversary.

‘The launch is our way of saying thank you to the thousands of customers who have supported LIAT Air throughout our journey,’ said Hafsah Abdulsalam, the airline’s chief executive officer, adding ‘over the past two years, we have worked tirelessly to expand our network and improve the travel experience for our passengers. The Antigua-based regional airline, LIAT 2020 has launched a new programme coinciding with its second anniversary.

‘The launch is our way of saying thank you to the thousands of customers who have supported LIAT Air throughout our journey,’ said Hafsah Abdulsalam, the airline’s chief executive officer, adding ‘over the past two years, we have worked tirelessly to expand our network and improve the travel experience for our passengers.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards (SKNBS) is recalling Squishy Dumpling toys and similar squishy squeeze toys due to counterfeit and potential safety risks.

In a statement, the SKNBS said that these products, which are commonly sold through local retail establishments and online marketplaces may be counterfeit, improperly labelled, or otherwise non-compliant with recognised safety requirements for children’s toys.

It said that investigations by international consumer safety authorities have identified that some squishy toys may contain water beads, gels, liquids, powders, sand, or other filling materials which can present significant hazards if released from the product.

‘If swallowed, water beads can expand inside the body and cause choking, intestinal blockage, aspiration, or other serious injuries. In addition, certain products may contain excessive levels of lead, prohibited phthalates, or other hazardous substances and may fail to meet established toy safety requirements.’

The Bureau is further warning that squishy toys may become dangerously hot when exposed to high temperatures, including microwaves, direct sunlight, motor vehicles, heaters, or other heat sources.

‘Under these conditions, toys may burst and release hot contents capable of causing serious burns,’ the SKNBS said, adding that consumers in possession of Squishy Dumpling toys or similar squishy toys that have an unknown manufacturer, lack safety information, emit a strong chemical odour, appear oily or unusually sticky, are leaking, or can be easily torn apart ‘should immediately discontinue use of the product and remove it from the reach of children’.

It is urging consumers to return affected products to the point of purchase where possible or otherwise dispose of them safely.

‘Retailers, distributors, and importers are directed to cease the sale and distribution of affected products immediately and to cooperate with any measures undertaken by the St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of Standards to protect consumer safety.’

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Friday, August 8, 2026.

ROSEAU – Prominent Dominican businessman Gregor Nassief says court action is an option open to force Dominica government to review Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme.

BRIDGETOWN -The Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) has described as ‘entirely false’ a voice note currently circulating on social media containing what it says are ‘false and misleading claims’ about Barbados’ instant payments system, BiMPay.

PORT OF SPAIN – BP has agreed to acquire Woodside Energy’s 70 per cent interest in Block TTDAA 14, the Calypso gas project in Trinidad and Tobago, increasing it stake to 100 per cent and assuming operatorship.

GEORGETOWN – Guyana’s rice industry is embracing an innovative climate-smart farming model that has the potential to significantly reduce production costs, improve environmental sustainability and create an additional source of income for hundreds of rice farmers.

HAMILTON – The Bermuda government Friday said that the challenges facing the island’s labour market are not due to a lack of economic growth, but a demographic reality of an ageing population and a shrinking workforce.

SPORTS:

EUGENE – Jamaica’s Gary Card and Shanoya Douglas delivered silver medal performances in the men’s and women’s 100m finals on Thursday night at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, securing the nation’s first medals of the competition at Hayward Field.

ST. JOHN’S – The future stars of West Indies women’s cricket are set to take centre stage as the 2026 Rising Stars Women’s Under-19 Championship gets underway across Antigua from August 8-15, with defending champions Barbados aiming to complete a remarkable regional double.

The Bermuda government Friday said that the challenges facing the island’s labour market are not due to a lack of economic growth, but a demographic reality of an ageing population and a shrinking workforce.

‘Bermuda’s immigration policy is not simply about filling vacancies. It is about striking the right balance between supporting economic growth and protecting opportunities for Bermudians,’ said Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward. ‘As our population ages and our workforce changes, immigration will continue to play an important role in addressing genuine labour shortages. At the same time, we remain committed to investing in education, apprenticeships, workforce development, and policies that ensure Bermudians are first in line for employment opportunities. Together, these efforts will help build a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone,’ he added.

In a statement, the Ministry of Economy and Labour said that recent public discussion regarding Bermuda’s work permit policy provides an opportunity to clarify the challenges facing the labour market and the principles that continue to guide the government’s approach to immigration and workforce development.

It said that as more Bermudians retire and fewer enter the labour force, employers across many sectors are experiencing increasing difficulty filling vacancies.

‘The facts demonstrate that Bermuda’s economy continues to grow. Employment has increased, unemployment remains at historically low levels, tourism has strengthened, international business continues to invest, and construction activity remains robust.’

The ministry said that these conditions point to a labour market where demand for workers is exceeding the available local labour supply.

‘The challenge facing many employers is not a lack of jobs, but a shortage of available workers driven by Bermuda’s changing demographics,’ the ministry said, adding that the government’s work permit policy is designed to strike an appropriate balance between supporting economic growth and ensuring that qualified Bermudians receive the first opportunity to compete for available employment.

‘Immigration remains an important part of Bermuda’s labour market, but it must also complement long-term efforts to develop and protect the local workforce.’

The ministry said that to support these objectives, the government has introduced several policy measures that strengthen employment opportunities for Bermudians while enabling employers to address genuine labour shortages where local workers are unavailable.

These measures include expanding the list of closed occupations where work permits are no longer available because qualified Bermudians are available, expanding restricted occupations, requiring employers to demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Bermudians before seeking overseas workers, introducing measures that promote greater stability within the work permit system for both employers and employees and reserving summer employment and internship opportunities exclusively for Bermudians, ensuring young people gain valuable early work experience.

The government said it also recognises that employers require an efficient and responsive immigration system and that work continues towards modernising immigration services through digital transformation and process improvements while ensuring the immigration framework continues to support Bermuda’s long-term economic development objectives.

‘At the same time, the Government continues to invest in education, apprenticeships, workforce development, and skills training to prepare more Bermudians for careers in sectors experiencing labour shortages. Immigration and workforce development are complementary policies that together support a strong, resilient, and competitive economy.

‘As Bermuda’s population continues to age, maintaining a sustainable workforce will require a balanced approach that protects opportunities for Bermudians while ensuring employers have access to the skills needed to support continued economic growth.’

The government said it remains committed to pursuing policies that strengthen Bermuda’s economy, invest in its people, and ensure that immigration continues to address genuine labour market needs in a way that benefits the island as a whole.

The United States Friday announced that it had further strengthened its bilateral relations with Trinidad and Tobago on security cooperation following the activation of Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere (JTF-WHEM) by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

The US Embassy here said that JTF-WHEM as well as Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing participation in the 18-nation Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C) ‘reflects a shared commitment to defend sovereignty, strengthen regional security, and confront narco-terrorist networks. ‘The purpose-built joint task force will synchronize U.S. military operations alongside trusted Caribbean and Latin American allies, like Trinidad and Tobago, to counter transnational criminal networks, enhance regional maritime interdiction, and respond rapidly to humanitarian crises,’it added.

Chargé d’Affaires Philip Kern said Trinidad and Tobago remains a vital regional partner in confronting complex security challenges that threaten their shared stability.

‘Through the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition and SOUTHCOM’s new Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere, we are deepening our cooperation to disrupt criminal networks, safeguard critical maritime routes, and ensure a safer, more prosperous Caribbean,’ he US diplomat said.

The Embassy said that as part of this long-standing defense partnership, ‘members of the U.S. military will continue to participate in joint training, capacity-building exercises, maritime interdiction coordination, and disaster response preparedness with Trinidad and Tobago’.

In a finish that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons launched their 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League campaign with a last-ball thriller, edging out the Jamaica Kingsmen by the narrowest of margins at the Arnos Vale Stadium. Chasing a modest 168 for victory, the Falcons found themselves needing just six runs from the final over. What followed was pure drama.

Hunain Shah, bowling with ice in his veins, claimed two wickets in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Jahmar Hamilton and Usama Mir, both caught spectacularly on the boundary, to swing momentum violently back toward the Kingsmen.

But cricket is a game of cruel twists. With two runs needed and one ball remaining, Shamar Springer nudged the ball toward long-on, where Kingsmen captain Rovman Powell fumbled in the field.

Springer and Alzarri Joseph scrambled back for two dramatic runs, sealing a two wicket victory that felt stolen from the jaws of defeat.

The Falcons’ run chase was anchored by a magnificent innings from Tajinder Singh, who smashed 62 runs off just 37 deliveries.

His aggressive strokeplay kept the required rate in check, particularly after a 64-run third-wicket partnership with New Zealander Tim Robinson that laid the platform for the chase with a workmanlike 40.

Local boy Rahkeem Cornwall also entertained the crowd with a brisk 24 from 21 balls.

Earlier, the Falcons’ bowling attack, featuring West Indian pace duo Alzarri Joseph 3-34 and Jayden Seales 1-19, alongside Pakistan’s Usama Mir 1-17, produced an international-quality performance to restrict the Kingsmen to 167-7.

South African debutant Reeza Hendricks provided the Kingsmen’s early fireworks, exploding in the sixth over with 28 runs off Karima Gore’s bowling. The right-hander finished with a fluent 42 from 25 balls in his first CPL appearance.

Captain Rovman Powell’s composed 47 was the backbone of the innings, though the Kingsmen struggled for fluency throughout the middle overs.

A solitary six-ball cameo from Keemo Paul, who made 16, helped inject some late urgency, with 54 runs added in the final four overs.

Keemo Paul was the pick of the Kingsmen bowlers, returning impressive figures of 3-29. But it was Andre Russell who made the headlines, reaching two significant milestones in his four-over spell.

The all-rounder removed Robinson for his 100th CPL wicket before dismissing Singh for his 101st, sparking a middle-order collapse that kept the Kingsmen in the contest.

When Hunain Shah conceded 19 runs in his over, the Falcons appeared to be cruising with just 20 needed from the final three overs.

But Russell’s penultimate-over fightback gave Shah a fighting chance in the final over, a chance that ultimately ended in heartbreak for the Jamaica-based side.

The Falcons, however, will take immense confidence from a victory that showcased both their resilience and their ability to perform under pressure as they look to build momentum in the tournament.

The government is reviewing contracts related to the Port Kaituma wharf project as part of its broader response to the MV Barima tragedy, with legal action being considered if evidence of negligence is uncovered.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, disclosed the review during Tuesday’s edition of his Issues in the News programme, where he outlined the government’s ongoing response to the July 18 incident.

Nandlall said that while a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and a criminal investigation are continuing, his chambers are examining the contractual arrangements for the wharf that was intended to accommodate the MV Ma Lisha at Port Kaituma.

His comments follow recent remarks by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, who said the MV Ma Lisha has not yet begun operating on the Port Kaituma route.

Edghill explained that the newly constructed wharf developed structural problems after significant movement of the surrounding soil, forcing sections of the facility to be rebuilt.

According to Nandlall, the contractual review forms part of a wider government response that also includes the police investigation, the Commission of Inquiry, ongoing support from the Ministries of Health, Human Services and Social Security, and the HEART initiative established to provide immediate and long-term assistance to affected families.

‘This will make further recommendations for more persons to be investigated,’ Nandlall said.

He stressed that the Commission of Inquiry would complement, rather than replace, the work of law enforcement agencies.

‘The Commission of Inquiry cannot usurp the functional responsibilities of the state and the state agencies,’ he said, adding that while the commission would make findings and recommendations, questions of criminal and civil liability would remain the responsibility of the relevant authorities and the courts.

Nandlall said investigations into all aspects of the tragedy remain ongoing, with state agencies continuing to carry out their respective responsibilities.

On Tuesday, the government said that the search and recovery operations following the MV Barima tragedy, resulting in the deaths of 73 people and more than 30 others missing and presumed dead, have ended.

However, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre remains operational, and the government said ‘there has been no change in the status of the identification of the recovered bodies’.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) government has welcomed a draft United Nations resolution supporting ongoing constitutional negotiations with the United Kingdom as the territory pursues greater self-determination.

The draft resolution was unanimously adopted by the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) during its recent substantive session at UN Headquarters in New York.

Among its provisions, the resolution stresses the need for the committee to continue closely monitoring developments in the British Virgin Islands, including the constitutional review process and negotiations with the United Kingdom, in consultation with both the British government and the territorial administration.

The draft also acknowledges the BVI government’s request for United Nations assistance in facilitating a public education programme on self-determination and underscores the importance of the participation of the territory’s elected and appointed representatives in the committee’s work.

In addition, the committee commended the British Virgin Islands government for completing the governance reform programme launched in 2022.

The draft resolution will now be considered by the UN Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonisation) before being forwarded to the UN General Assembly for final adoption.

Welcoming the committee’s decision, BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley said he looked forward to the remaining stages of the UN process.

‘The Special Committee has completed its work for the current UN cycle that included initial approval of the draft UN resolution on the BVI, which we welcome. We look forward to the remaining UN approvals being given in due course by the international community at the upcoming session of the UN General Assembly, which will once again reaffirm the Territory’s right to self-determination,’ Wheatley said.

As the nation marks 64 years of Independence amid ongoing post-Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts, Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, has called on Jamaicans to unite behind what he describes as the first major national rebuilding initiative of the country’s post-Independence era.

‘Since Independence, successive governments have built important highways, housing developments, schools, hospitals, water systems, and public facilities. But never in our independent history have we attempted a single, coordinated, island-wide programme of reconstruction and resilience on the scale and pace now before us,’ he said in his Independence Day Message.

The coordinated reconstruction effort will be spearheaded by the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson.

Acknowledging the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Melissa on homes, schools, roads, bridges, water systems, farms and businesses across the country, Prime Minister Holness commended the resilience, determination and community spirit displayed by Jamaicans in the face of the crisis.

‘Even in the most difficult hours, we saw the true character of Jamaica: neighbours helping neighbours, public servants working beyond the call of duty, members of the security forces restoring access and order, churches and voluntary organisations providing relief, and Jamaicans at home and abroad giving generously,’ he recounted.

Dr. Holness emphasised that the task ahead is not simply to rebuild, but to build a stronger, more resilient Jamaica that can better withstand future shocks, while fostering confidence in the country’s future and inspiring the next generation.

The Prime Minister noted that, through NaRRA, the Government is establishing the capacity to coordinate, finance and deliver reconstruction on a scale unprecedented in Jamaica since Independence.

‘NaRRA will be an instrument of disciplined national action. It will cut through fragmentation. It will prepare sound projects. It will enforce standards, and it will protect the public purse. It will also ensure that works are completed properly, efficiently and transparently,’ Dr. Holness affirmed.

He emphasised that the reconstruction effort is being guided by a national vision to reduce vulnerability, unlock new areas for development, strengthen rural communities, revitalise towns and cities, and build on the strong foundation already established for sustained economic growth.

‘But renewal on this scale asks something of every one of us. It asks for respect for law and order, for protection of public property, for honest work, for fiscal discipline, and for strong families and communities that refuse to surrender their future to criminals and disorder,’ the Prime Minister maintained.

He cautioned that every dollar wasted represents a missed opportunity to repair a road, rebuild a classroom, or strengthen a vulnerable water system.

‘Every act of corruption steals from the Jamaican people… every delay caused by indiscipline postpones the future we are building. We must therefore demand high standards from government, contractors, institutions, and from ourselves,’ Dr. Holness stated.

He urged Jamaicans to reject the notion that the country is too small, too divided or too constrained to achieve transformational change, and called on the present generation to honour the legacy of their forebears, who overcame much greater challenges with far fewer resources.

‘Their courage gave us freedom… our duty is to use that freedom wisely. Let this generation be remembered as the generation that secured Jamaica’s future… that rebuilt stronger, modernised the country, restored confidence in national institutions, and created new possibilities for every parish and every community,’ Dr. Holness stated.