Category: CANA News

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.

The 2026-2027 El Niño weather phenomenon could threaten jobs, reduce incomes and worsen working conditions across the Caribbean, with agriculture, fisheries and tourism among the sectors expected to face the greatest risks, according to a new report from the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The ILO says the Caribbean is expected to experience drought, water shortages and heatwaves during the current El Niño cycle, conditions that could have significant consequences for workers, businesses and vulnerable communities across the region.

In its policy brief, El Niño 2026-2027 and the world of work in Latin America and the Caribbean: a causal chain from climate to employment and labour institutions, the ILO warns that the climate phenomenon could disrupt employment, increase food insecurity, push up food and energy prices and worsen working conditions, particularly for informal workers, rural communities and people whose jobs require them to work outdoors.

The report identifies agriculture, fisheries and tourism as among the sectors most exposed in the Caribbean, with crops such as maize, beans, wheat, coffee and sugarcane also vulnerable to the expected weather conditions.

It warns that the impacts could include reduced rural incomes, forced labour migration, greater reliance on informal employment and severe heat stress among outdoor workers, while loss of livelihoods could also increase the risk of child labour in vulnerable households.

‘The 2026-2027 El Niño poses a major challenge for employment and decent work in Latin America and the Caribbean. The scale of its impacts will depend on countries’ ability to anticipate them through strong labour market institutions, social protection systems and social dialogue that protect those who are most vulnerable,’ said Fabio Bertranou, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The ILO noted that while the effects of El Niño will differ across the region, Caribbean countries are among those expected to experience prolonged dry conditions and heatwaves, in contrast to parts of South America where excessive rainfall and flooding are forecast.

The organisation also highlighted the Caribbean’s high levels of informal employment, saying many workers lack access to social protection and other mechanisms that could help them cope with climate-related shocks, making them particularly vulnerable to income losses and deteriorating working conditions.

The report says the impacts are not inevitable and urges governments to strengthen social protection systems, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, reinforce occupational safety and health measures, expand early warning systems and promote social dialogue to reduce the labour market effects of the phenomenon.

The ILO urged policymakers to view El Niño not only as a meteorological phenomenon but as one capable of triggering a chain of impacts from climate shocks through economies and labour markets to employment outcomes, requiring coordinated action to protect workers and livelihoods.

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.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Government is considering legislation that would require citizens aged 16 and over, as well as foreign nationals, to carry valid identification while in public spaces, according to a report by the Trinidad Express newspaper.

Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander confirmed the plan in a telephone interview with the Express, following the circulation of a leaked Cabinet Minute dated April 2, 2026, which proposed amendments to legislation requiring citizens aged 16 and over to possess valid identification in public spaces.

According to the article, Alexander confirmed that the Cabinet note was authentic and said the proposal had been referred to the Finance and General Purposes Committee for consideration.

The minister said details, including whether failing to produce identification to law enforcement upon request would constitute an offence, were still being worked out.

However, he told the Express that individuals would be given a ‘grace’ period to present identification and expressed the view that failure to do so should attract a fine or another penalty.

Alexander said the proposed measure was intended to assist law enforcement in identifying individuals and addressing cases where people use other persons’ identities.

‘Coming from law enforcement, there are a lot of persons in and around our country who are using other persons’ names. When you have a picture ID attached to your name, we see who you are,’ he said.

According to the Express report, Alexander said the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service faces challenges when attempting to serve warrants because individuals sometimes provide different names when officers arrive.

He said the initiative would involve collaboration between the Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) and government ministries to ensure people can obtain national identification cards.

The minister also said arrangements would be made for students aged 16 and over to register for and receive national identification cards before leaving school.

Alexander said photo identification was already required for activities such as employment and opening bank accounts, and described the proposed measure as consistent with international practices.

Alexander said he expected criticism from the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM), accusing the party of opposing government initiatives aimed at addressing crime.

He said the Government’s plans and policies had been in development for some time, and efforts were underway to implement them.

Joint Player-of-the-Series in the just concluded Test series against Pakistan, Justin Greaves has bemoaned the fact that his fitness level didn’t allow him to contribute more to the West Indies’ efforts in the second match.

Greaves, who took a maiden five-wicket haul in the opening Test and was named Player-of-the-Match in the West Indies’ 90-run win, did not bowl a single ball in the second match, which Pakistan won by eight wickets on Wednesday to level the two-match series.

The 32-year-old Barbadian was named Player-of-the-Series along with Pakistan captain Babar Azam, after scoring 111 runs and taking seven wickets.

While Greaves, who was also named Player-of-the-Series in the preceding Test series against Sri Lanka, was happy with his performances, he said he wish he could have done more for his side to help them earn a historic Test series win over Pakistan.

‘I was happy that when things got a little bit difficult and things got a bit tricky, I was able to put my hand up in the first game, as well as this game in terms of batting. We had a tricky little situation and Roston Chase and I put on a pretty good partnership in the first innings, but just unlucky that I was unable to bowl to help the team out.

‘I’m probably just a couple days away in terms of getting back to full fitness, but really, really looking back at it now, I just really wished I could have helped the team a little bit more,’ Greaves said after the match.

‘I think my game is in a really good place at the moment, but I’m never satisfied. I always want to do better, always want to help the team.

‘We actually set out to win both series at home, ended up drawing this one, so not a bad international summer for us in terms of Test cricket, but looking back we obviously want to win more Test matches,’ he added.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), UN Women Caribbean and The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus have joined forces to confront what they describe as one of the Caribbean’s most urgent challenges: the increasing prevalence of violence, including youth violence.

The organisations recently convened the Caribbean Futures High-Level Anti-Violence Forum, held during the 16th cycle of the Caribbean Institute in Gender and Development (CIGAD), bringing together youth leaders, policymakers, researchers and community practitioners from across the region.

CDB Senior Gender Specialist Dr Maria Ziegler said violence prevention requires changing the attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that normalise violence in homes, schools, communities and relationships.

‘Violence prevention transforms the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours that normalise violence in homes, schools, communities, and relationships. It promotes positive masculinities, empowers girls and young women, and engages boys and men as allies in creating safer, more equitable societies for everyone,’ she said.

According to the organisers, the forum provided an intergenerational platform where youth advocates joined senior policymakers, criminologists and gender specialists to examine how gang violence, gender-based violence and climate-related displacement compound one another and to co-design solutions grounded in Caribbean realities.

UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean Communications and Advocacy Analyst Sharon Carter-Burke said the organisation is working with partners to challenge gender norms that negatively affect both women and men.

‘UN Women not only promotes the rights, empowerment, and safety of all women and girls, but we are working with partners to disrupt the gender norms that also harm men and boys,’ she said.

She said the organisation’s Foundations Violence Prevention Programme is a participatory, youth-centred curriculum designed to transform the cultural and social norms, values, attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate gender-based discrimination, gender inequality and gender-based violence.

The forum also marked the completion of the in-person training phase for the 16th CIGAD cohort and featured activities including a theatre presentation on harmful masculinities and a youth roundtable with decision-makers, demonstrating how dialogue, evidence and shared ownership can strengthen violence prevention across generations.

Organisers said participants concluded that violence prevention requires contributions from all sectors of society and that gender justice and youth empowerment are complementary priorities.

They added that the partnerships forged during the forum are expected to continue supporting regional collaboration on violence prevention after participants return to their respective countries.

CIGAD is supported through financing from the CDB and UN Women to strengthen gender-responsive development across the Caribbean. The organisers said the investment aligns with the CDB’s 10-year Strategic Plan, which seeks to ensure gender equality is woven into decision-making across the public, private and civil society sectors in its borrowing member countries.

Guyana’s candidate for Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, has called for sustained international support to help Haiti recover from its ongoing crisis, saying the country’s challenges require a coordinated, long-term response.

Speaking during the Regional Dialogue on the Future Leadership of the United Nations, in its capacity as Pro Tempore President of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Rodrigues-Birkett said Haiti’s recovery must extend beyond restoring security to include economic revitalisation, environmental restoration and support for communities affected by violence.

Drawing on her experience as Chair of the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee on Haiti and her involvement in negotiations surrounding UN Security Council Resolution 2793, she stressed the importance of Haiti and member states fully implementing the measures outlined in Resolution 2793.

‘The wider implementation would involve accompanying Haiti for a number of years, given the depth of the challenges that are facing Haiti,’ Rodrigues-Birkett said.

She said rebuilding Haiti also requires reviving the country’s economy, restoring degraded forests to improve resilience against natural disasters and supporting children affected by gang violence.

Rodrigues-Birkett also highlighted the role regional organisations can play in Haiti’s recovery, pointing to CARICOM’s political engagement over the past two years and calling for closer cooperation between the United Nations and regional bodies.

The Guyanese diplomat also continued her campaign for the post of UN Secretary-General, presenting what she described as a vision for a more responsive, effective and collaborative multilateral system.

As part of that effort, she met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez to discuss her candidacy and exchange views on the future of multilateralism and the challenges facing the United Nations.

During the meetings, Rodrigues-Birkett outlined her vision for a United Nations that is more agile, efficient and responsive to the needs of member states.

Jamaica’s Chad Wright produced a gold medal winning throw in the men’s discus, while Rinaldo Moore of Trinidad and Tobago copped a silver medal in the 110-metre hurdles when track and field action continued at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games here on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old Wright recorded a throw of 63.39 metres to comfortably win the event, with Cuba’s Mario Diaz finishing second with a distance measured at 62.72m, while another Jamaican, Racquil Broderick claimed bronze (62.07m).

Tarajh Hudson of the Bahamas was fifth with a throw of 54.76m, while T and T’s Christopher Crawford was ninth (52.39m).

Meanwhile, Moore was second in a tightly contested men’s 110-metre hurdles final, with second to fourth separated by the smallest of margins.

The race was won by Ulric Portier of France in a time of 13.46 seconds, with Moore second in 13.56 and John Paredes of Colombia third in 13.57 seconds, the same time given to fourth place finisher Jeanice Laviolette of France.

Sharvis Simmonds of Jamaica finished fifth in 13.61 seconds.

Also reaching the podium was Shafiqua Maloney of St Vincent and the Grenadines, who captured bronze in the women’s 400 metres.

Maloney clocked 51.77 seconds to finish behind eventual winner Maileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic in 48.94 seconds and second-placed Roxana Gomez of Cuba, who was timed at 49.99 seconds.

In other results, Denisha Cartwright of the Bahamas and Barbados’ Adeyah Brewster narrowly missed out on medals in the women’s 100-metre hurdles.

Cartwright was fourth in 12.99 seconds, the same time as third-placed Paola Vazquez of Puerto Rico, while Brewster finished fifth in 13.24 seconds, with her compatriot Maya Collins seventh in 13.69.

Akela Jones of Barbados finished sixth in the women’s long jump with a leap of 6.01 metres.