Category: CANA News

India Women defeated West Indies Women by 26 runs in their first warmup match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Sophia Gardens here on Monday.

Scores

INDIA WOMEN 179-9 in 20 overs (Bharti Fulmali 56 not out, Smriti Mandhana 39, Yastika Bhatia 36, Shafali Verma 29; Afy Fletcher 4-23).

WEST INDIES WOMEN 153-8 in 20 overs (Deandra Dottin 49, Shemaine Campbelle 25, Shawnisha Hector 19 not out, Jannillea Glasgow 19, Aaliyah Alleyne 13; Shreyanka Patil 4-36, Radha Yadav 3-25).

Police say they have arrested two suspects, including a Cuban national, who allegedly brought a woman to Suriname under false pretenses and subsequently forced her into prostitution before she was able to escape.

The woman raised the alarm with the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) department last week and an investigation was launched leading to the arrest of the two suspects. The police said that the TIP and other law enforcement agencies, arrested the two suspects -Cuban and Surinamese nationals – and that both have been taken into custody following consultation with the Public Prosecution Service.

The police said that their investigations have so far revealed that the victim was brought to Suriname under false promises and that once here, she was allegedly forced to work as a prostitute in nightclubs and a brothel in the interior.

‘Additionally, there was restriction of liberty and intimidation. The victim was allegedly systematically threatened, while the proceeds of her work were taken by others,’ the police said, adding that they are examining whether more people are involved in the matter.

The police said human trafficking is a serious crime that often remains unreported and are appealing to citizens to be alert to signs of exploitation and to report suspicious situations.

Bermuda is observing World Ocean Day on Monday, unveiling a sculpture created almost entirely from reclaimed marine debris .

Accurately scaled and constructed from marine plastics collected along Bermuda’s shoreline, the sculpture, which is affectionately called ‘Whaleen’ is a life-size representation of a nine-month-old North Atlantic Humpback Whale.

‘I’m absolutely delighted that the concept has been brilliantly brought to life by the talent of Bermudian artist Hannah Horsfield. This is wonderful sculpture and as a piece of art it deserves to be seen by visitors to Government House,’ said Governor, Andrew Murdoch, who conceived of the idea. ‘But its creation was always intended to be more than just art. Its creation required collaboration from organisations across the island, and it sends a powerful message on the need to work together to protect the ocean – turning waste into advocacy for change,’ Murdoch added.

The Governor said that the sculpture highlights Bermudian artistic talent.

‘It highlights family and community spirit in those that came together to design, build, collect materials, transport and install Whaleen. It highlights the incredible nature off our coast in the form of the iconic humpback whale. And it highlights the threat posed to our ocean from marine plastics, and the damage plastics do to the environment.’

Murdoch acknowledged that while he conceived of the idea, it was brought to life during a conversation with Bermudian artist Horsfield in December 2025.

She is the programmes educator at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) and the sculpture design grew to 20ft in length – the largest sculpture Hannah had ever made.

Each item of ocean plastic debris was carefully sorted by size, colour, and material type in preparation for construction. The metal framework was built with reclaimed PVC pipe and blue barrels being added to create the familiar shape.

Hundreds of flattened marine plastic fragments were then secured to create the sculpture’s outer skin. The sculpture incorporates more than 1,000 individual plastic items collected from Bermuda’s shores, including: 78 octopus traps, 45 oil jugs, 63 flip-flops, 39 white jugs and bottles, 14 large waste and oil containers, 13 plastic crates, one large fishing net, and one discarded mooring rope forming the whale’s mouth.

During his official visit to Bermuda in May, King Charles III was able to view the sculpture, meeting with Hannah Horsfield, who was joined by Youth Climate Summit students and local primary school students working to complete the sculpture in time for World Ocean Day.

The project was made possible by sponsorship from Convex given its alignment with their Seascape Survey project aims with participation also from several other entities, including from Keep Bermuda Beautiful, Nonsuch Expeditions, the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign in Bermuda, and WhalesBermuda.

‘I have been working to raise awareness about marine plastic pollution for nearly a decade. As a teenager, I began collecting plastic from Bermuda’s shorelines, later writing my Environmental Science thesis on the issue of plastic pollution in Bermuda and creating art installations from recovered marine debris,’ said Horsfield.

‘I am deeply honoured to have been invited to create Whaleen for Bermuda, and incredibly grateful to the many individuals and organisations whose collaboration brought this vision to life. My hope is that the sculpture inspires viewers to reflect on the impact of plastic pollution and motivates them to help protect our marine environment and the remarkable marine mammals that depend on it,’ she added.

The Bahamas government is urging citizens to avid ‘all non-essential’ travel to Cuba saying the country continues to experience challenges affecting electricity supply, fuel availability, transportation, and access to basic goods and services.

‘These issues may impact daily life across the island, including in Havana and could change with little notice. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises all Bahamian nationals travelling to or residing in the Republic of Cuba to exercise caution and to remain aware of current local conditions,’ the government statement said. It said that Bahamians must have a valid passport for at least six months from entry date and contain at least one blank page as well as proof of return ticket and accomodation.

The government said also that a visa is required for entry, allowing for stays up to 90 days and that all Bahamians must comply strictly with immigration regulations.

‘Cuba operates largely on a cash-based system. International banking access is extremely limited. Bring sufficient cash, US dollars or Euros to cover all expenses for the duration of stay.

‘Travellers must declare cash amounts exceeding US$5,000 upon entry into Cuba. When departing, travellers carrying more than US$5,000 in any currency must declare such amounts to the relevant authorities,’ the government warned, adding ‘failure to declare amounts above the limit may result in the seizure of undeclared funds’.

The statement said that as of June 6, international Visa and Mastercard transactions have been suspended in Cuba and that ‘travellers should not expect to use foreign credit or debit cards for purchases or cash withdrawals.’

The government is also urging citizens to avoid all demonstrations and gatherings and follow instructions issued by local officials.

Cuba has come under severe problems in recent months after the United States imposed a further oil embargo on the island, after Washington had removed Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro from office in January.

Caracas had been Havana’s main supplier of oil and the embargo has led to a crippling crisis in the Caribbean island.

Cuba’s Ambassador to The Bahamas, Marcof Sanchez, speaking on a radio programme here, has described the situation in his country as very serious and called on regional countries to stand in solidarity with Havana against military aggression.

Sanchez told radio listeners that US led military aggression against Cuba would have a direct impact on the region at large, and expressed that the Cuban government is willing to have a respectful dialogue with the US, which has for decades imposed a trade and economic embargo on the island.

A senior United States official Monday said operational successes require sustained intelligence sharing, technical expertise, and the kind of trust that only comes from working side-by-side over time.

Addressing the five-day regional workshop jointly facilitated by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy here, Michael Fitzpatrick, urged participants in a firearms trafficking workshop to make the most of networking and joint training experiences to better address gun crime in the region.

‘Operational successes require sustained intelligence sharing, technical expertise, and the kind of trust that only comes from working side-by-side over time. This workshop is about operationalising what we know and ensuring that when the next shipment arrives, when the next network emerges, we are ready.’

He said that over the next five days, the participants ‘will learn about emerging threats and how to defeat them.

‘You will build on regional collaboration on all aspects of the investigation and prosecution processes. Make the most of it. Make the most of each other.

‘Defeating them requires exactly what we see in this room. Professionals who understand tracing, who know how to build prosecutable cases, and who can pick up the phone and reach a trusted counterpart in another country,’ he added..

Trinidad and Tobago Defence Ministers, Wayne Sturge said that the firearms crisis and the distinction matters ‘because problems can be managed incrementally, while crises demand a very different type and quality of response.

‘It is that quality of response which brings us here today. The illegal trafficking of firearms continues to be the engine behind gang violence, organised criminal networks and serious violent crime across our region.

‘What was once treated as a domestic law enforcement challenge has become something far more complex, transnational in reach, adaptive in method and increasingly sophisticated in use of technology,’ Sturge told the participants.

Sturge said cooperation is vital requiring also intelligence, innovation, and strong partnerships. He said through collaboration and capacity building, the government continues to strengthen the security architecture of Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region.

Sturge said this workshop brings together regional and international stakeholders to strengthen the collective response to illicit firearms trafficking, transnational organised crime, and emerging security threats, and commended CARICOM IMPACS and all participating agencies for their commitment to advancing regional security and building safer communities for citizens.

Sri Lanka Emerging Players reached 302 for eight against the West Indies Academy at the close of play on the opening day of their four-day match at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium here on Monday.

Scores

SRI LANKA EMERGING PLAYERS 302-8 in 77 overs (Anjala Bandara 126 not out, Asitha Wanninayake 41, Nisala Abeyratne 38 not out, Sharujan Shanmuganathan 25, Shakthi Udara 13; Johann Layne 3-58, Ryan Bandoo 2-45, Jediah Blades 2-64).

The Guyana government says a major gold sector developer has committed to reserving shares for Guyanese businesses and individuals once the country’s junior stock exchange becomes operational this year.

President Irfaan Ali did not name the ‘major gold sector developer’ but said the commitment is one reason the government is pressing ahead with the establishment of the exchange, which he said will open large-scale investment opportunities to ordinary Guyanese, allowing what he described as massive participation from local businesses and individuals once it is up and running.

‘I am very pleased to say in the gold sector for example, one of the very large developers , they are willing to set up shares for the local population, local businesses and that is why it is important for us to have the junior stock exchange.’ Ali said the move forms part of a broader effort to extend local content principles beyond the oil and gas sector into all areas of the economy.

‘The coming weeks will be very exciting for local content and local participation in large-scale transformative projects,’ he said.

Ali said that he has directed the Ministry of Natural Resources to review the local content list, pointing to financial services and insurance as two categories where there has been strong interest in increasing local participation.

The junior stock exchange is one of three financing channels the head of state flagged for local investors.

Legislation for the Guyana Development Bank has been laid in the National Assembly, while a diaspora bond offering fixed rates of return is being prepared to help fund national infrastructure projects.

The Belize government has ‘strongly’ condemned the acts of violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment directed at health care workers across the country.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) said that ‘an unfortunate incident occurred’ on Saturday at one of the primary health care facilities, where a doctor and another health care provider were physically attacked by a patient who was awaiting care. ‘Threats and attacks of this nature are increasing at many public health facilities. Health care professionals and support staff serve on the front lines every day to protect lives, respond to emergencies, and deliver essential services to communities throughout the country.

‘Any attack or threat against them is unacceptable and undermines patient safety, continuity of care, and patients’ well-being,’ the MoHW said in a statement.

It reaffirmed that health care providers have the fundamental right to work in a safe and secure environment and must be allowed to perform their duties adequately.

‘Protecting health staff is essential to ensuring timely, effective, and equitable care for every person who depends on the public health system,’ the ministry said, calling on all members of the public to respect and support health care workers in the execution of their duties in all settings.

‘Threats, abusive language, intimidation, or physical aggression towards health personnel cannot be tolerated. The MoHW remains committed to working with the public and with law enforcement to strengthen protection for health personnel and to promote a culture of respect throughout the health sector.’

The ministry thanked ‘all health care workers in Belize for their continued service to the people of Belize and the patients who continue to cooperate with and trust in the health system by seeking its services’.

The St. Kitts and Nevis government says the Customs relief measures currently in effect, including the waiver of bunker and shipper surcharges from customs tax and duty calculations, will remain in effect until the end of July.

The government says the measures are part of its ongoing efforts to address rising cost-of-living challenges and protect citizens and residents from increasing global prices. It said that the measures are specifically designed to help ease cost-of-living pressures by reducing the impact of escalating international fuel and freight costs on the prices of imported goods.

‘By excluding bunker surcharges associated with sea and air freight from the Customs Value (CIF) used to calculate customs duties and taxes, the government has taken deliberate action to prevent consumers from bearing additional costs generated outside the Federation’s control,’ the government said in a statement.

It said that the waiver recognises that recent increases in shipping and transportation charges are largely the result of external economic factors, including fluctuations in global fuel prices and international supply chain pressures.

‘These developments have contributed to higher costs worldwide and have intensified cost-of-living concerns in many countries, including St. Kitts and Nevis,’ the statement said, adding that by removing these surcharges from the customs valuation process, the government has reduced the tax burden attached to imported goods, providing relief to importers and creating opportunities for savings to be passed on to consumers.

‘The measure forms part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing cost-of-living pressures, cushioning households and businesses from international economic shocks, and helping to stabilise prices within the local economy.’

The Terrance Drew administration said that the customs surcharge waiver is one of several temporary relief measures it has implemented, adding that other initiatives include a 50 per cent reduction in the excise tax on gasoline, a reduction in the Customs Service Charge on gasoline from six to three per cent, and the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on qualifying alternative energy equipment and devices.

‘Together, these measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to tackling the cost of living through practical and targeted interventions that provide meaningful relief to families and businesses while strengthening national economic resilience,’ the government said in the statement.

Police say a 26-year-old man is assisting their investigations following the death of 12-year-old Mercedez Layne, whose body was discovered on Sunday, in Erin, a coastal village located along the southwestern peninsula of Trinidad.

Police said that Mercedez was reported missing on Saturday by her grandfather, after she had spent the previous night at his residence. The police said the grandfather had placed her into a vehicle, intended to transport the child to her home. ‘However, information later received indicated that Mercedez never arrived at her destination. The girl’s mother subsequently went the Erin Police Station along with the child’s grandfather, and a missing person investigation was immediately launched,’ the police said.

They said acting on information received and after reviewing CCTV footage, officers identified the vehicle in which the child had last been seen travelling and that the vehicle was later located abandoned, where it was photographed, processed and conveyed to the Erin Police Station as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police said that on Sunday, an employee of an oil company went to inspect a well and while traversing the roadway, he discovered the body of a young female lying face down along the well access road.

A report was immediately made to the Erin Police Station, and first responders proceeded to the scene, where the body was subsequently identified as that of the missing child.

The police say a 26-year-old has been detained in connection with the matter and ‘remains in police custody as enquiries continue’.