Category: CANA News

Stabroek News Friday said that its last edition will be printed on March 15 this year and that the publishing company, Guyana Publications Inc (GPI), has already begun the process to go into voluntary liquidation.

The newspaper Friday announced its closure after nearly four decades and the Editor-in-Chief Anand Persaud, said that the impact of digitalised social media delivery of news, a shift of advertising to Online platforms as well as the political environment had all conspired to force the privately-owned to close down operations after 39 years.

Persaud said circulation had dropped from a peak of 40,000 copies on Sundays and 18,000 daily to about 4,000 to 5,000 copies

‘Everybody in the newspaper world has fallen. They’re all grappling with that, too so it is a fact of life,’ he said, adding that GPI is solvent and would be in a position to pay severance and funds from a contributory pension scheme to its 60 staff members.

‘The newspaper is solvent, is in a position to meet all of its obligations to staff in terms of severance and in terms of unpaid leave and in terms of other things,’ he told reporters.

But he acknowledged that the ‘collapse of the advertising market has been a serious issue. You know, there may be some advertisers who did not advertise because they didn’t want to be seen to be affiliated with Stabroek News because that might put them out of favour with the government

‘But generally, what happened here was that over time, both the advertising and subscription market fell away because people were so engrossed on their phones and what they can see in live real time, newspapers can only provide the next day, 24 hours after and that became obsolete,’ he said.

Persaud said the large companies like Digicel, One Communications, Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited and Courts have over the years shifted their advertising to Online platforms, leaving the newspaper with statutory State advertising, occasional financial statements from the banks, which have to go into a newspaper, and legal notices. ‘So the collapse of the advertising market has been a serious issue.’

In the statement announcing the closure, two of the main shareholders nted that in the past year, the state-run Department of Public Information (DPI) had accrued a debt in excess of GUY$80,000,000 (One Guyana dollar=US$0.008 cejnts) in unpaid advertisements.

‘ The debt persists despite repeated private and public entreaties to clear it. ‘This tactic could equally be construed as an attempt to starve this company of its operating funds,’ they said, adding that publishing has always been a precarious undertaking in Guyana and the Caribbean due to the modest size of the potential readership, and to other market constraints.

‘No-one becomes a publisher in Guyana to grow rich. While the company has never been driven by a concern about profit, it must function as a business. It is a given that any business needs to continually diversify and adapt and to seek alternative sources of income.’

Last month, the Trinidad-based daily newspaper, Newsday closed down its operations after 32 years.

Asked by reporters whether he believed that changing geopolitics had contributed to Stabroek News’ closure, Persaud said it was more about market forces here and even in the US where newspapers have been ‘decimated’.

‘it has very little to do with how geopolitics might have affected that market. It’s just simply people do not go to buy a newspaper in the morning anymore. Very few people do that,’ he said, noting that the subscriber base for most newspapers these days are the oldest customers who are dying or migrating.

‘Younger readers are just not buying newspapers because they’re not accustomed to that. What they’re accustomed to do is picking up their phone or their tablet in the morning and scrolling, and that is really the thing so I think that’s really the major factor. I don’t think geopolitics go that far in terms of isolating us,’ he said.

Persaud said Stabroek News and over the past five years examined a number of options such as going partly digital and maintaining part of the print run but nothing stood out as providing long-term security and a lot of the digital revenues were ‘ephemeral’ and could not be relied upon.

He said GPI preferred to make the tough decision to close operations rather than rely on anyone for financial support.

‘In the light and in the mode of our being an independent newspaper, what you want to do is to leave with dignity. We want to leave on our feet rather than live on our knees, beholden to anybody and to have to sort of like to be in that position.

‘So, unfortunately, our stint as an independent newspaper has come to an end, but it is very important that this job be continued by others who are in the media. It’s clear that it’s all going to be social media driven these days, but the role that Stabroek News played between 1986 and now needs to be played by others,’ he added.

Charlton Athletic are in discussions to offer former West Ham United forward Michail Antonio a route back into professional football, with the Addicks set to propose a short-term contract for the Jamaican international.

The 35-year-old striker, who remains a free agent after being released by the Hammers last summer, has been training with the League One side as manager Nathan Jones looks to fill the final spot in his 25-man squad.

Sources indicate that the proposed deal on the table from The Valley hierarchy would be structured on a pay-as-you-play basis until the end of the season.

Such an agreement would mitigate risk for the club while giving Antonio a platform to prove his fitness.

Antonio has not featured in a competitive English fixture since a horrific car crash in December 2024. The incident left the powerful forward with multiple leg fractures in what was described as a near-fatal accident.

Despite the severity of the injuries, the 35-year-old made a remarkable recovery to represent the Reggae Boyz at the CONCACAF Gold Cup last June.

Since his release from West Ham, Antonio has been eager to resume his career in the UK, holding talks and training with both Brentford and Leicester City. However, potential deals with the Premier League sides failed to materialise.

Should he put pen to paper with Charlton, Antonio would bolster Jones’ attacking options significantly.

As a free agent, he is eligible to be registered outside of the transfer window, and he would join a forward line that already includes Lyndon Dykes, Miles Leaburn, Charlie Kelman, and Matty Godden.

Barbados, Feb 12, CMC – The leader of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Mia Amor Mottley was on Thursday sworn in for a third consecutive term after leading the BLP to an unprecedented 30-0 clean sweep in the general election held on Wednesday. Watch video

State media and election officials confirmed that the BLP won all 30 seats in the House of Assembly, denying any opposition party representation and underscoring Mottley’s dominant position in Barbadian politics.

In her victory remarks, Mottley emphasized her government’s focus on tackling poverty, strengthening democratic institutions, and improving public services.

She also declared a national public holiday for Friday and announced plans for a national thanksgiving celebration.

Her new Cabinet is expected to be sworn in early next week, and Parliament is slated to reconvene shortly thereafter.

The Census Office is encouraging the full cooperation of all residents as work continues on the 2025 Population and Housing Census across Antigua and Barbuda.

According to the census office, the process is a critical national exercise that provides essential data used to inform government policy, national development planning, and the allocation of resources in key areas such as health, education, housing, employment, and infrastructure.

Accurate census data ensures that decisions affecting communities are based on reliable and up-to-date information.

Census officials have also reminded residents that as stipulated by law, they are required to participate in the Census.

The Census Office added that all information collected during the Census is strictly confidential and protected by law.

Individual responses will not be shared and will be used solely for statistical purposes.

The office says public cooperation is vital to the success of the Census and to ensuring that every person and household is accurately represented.

Jamaican international Damion Lowe has secured a move to Dewa United FC, which competes in Indonesia’s top-flight Super League.

The 32-year-old centre-back, who has played professionally across four continents, brings a wealth of experience at both club and international level, with 79 senior caps for Jamaica.

Over the course of his career, Lowe has competed in major leagues worldwide, including stints in the United States with Inter Miami CF and the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, as well as IK Start in Norway. He has also played top-flight football in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Known for his commanding presence at the heart of defence, Lowe is expected to add leadership, structure and resilience to a Dewa United side that ended last season second in the Super League standings and currently competes in the Asian Champions League.

‘I’m bringing a winning mentality, discipline and accountability.

‘Playing in the United States taught me professionalism and structure, while representing Jamaica taught me resilience and pride. International football demands focus under pressure, and that’s something I live with every game,’ Lowe said.

‘I’m extremely motivated. A new country, new culture, new league, that excites me. Growth happens outside your comfort zone, and I see this as an opportunity to elevate both myself and the team.’

Jamaica’s National Natural Disaster Risk Financing Policy, which enabled an immediate response to Hurricane Melissa, is among major financial achievements of the Government in the 2025/26 fiscal year.

‘All disaster risk financing instruments were triggered. The deposits in the Contingencies Fund and the National Natural Disaster Reserve Fund, they financed relief, rehabilitation and initial reconstruction, supplemented by donor flows,’ said Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

He was delivering the Throne Speech during the 2026/27 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House, on Thursday (February 12), under the theme ‘Building Forward: Enhancing Resilience, Expanding Opportunity’.

The World Bank estimates that the category-five storm, which impacted the island on October 28, 2025, caused approximately US$8.8 billion in physical damage to Jamaica, equivalent to 41 per cent of the nation’s 2024 gross domestic product (GDP).

The Governor-General, in highlighting financial achievements during 2025/26, cited Moody’s upgrade of Jamaica’s long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings to Ba3 from B1 in December 2025, with the outlook revised to stable.

‘This upgrade, delivered after Hurricane Melissa, reflects strengthened institutional and policy frameworks, sustained fiscal discipline, stronger financial-sector oversight and enhanced disaster-risk management,’ he said.

S and P Global and Fitch rating agencies also reaffirmed their ratings of BB and BB minus, respectively, following Hurricane Melissa.

Also significant, he noted. Was the Government’s monetisation of its portion of Sangster International Airport revenue, raising US$400 million through a 10-year bond issued by Montego Bay Airport Revenue Finance Limited.

The Governor-General noted that this followed the successful 2024/25 monetisation of the Norman Manley International Airport revenue.

The Kingston airport went on to receive Latin Finance’s 2025 Infrastructure Financing of the Year: Caribbean award.

Caribbean-American New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson has honored Black History, saying that Black History is ‘American History, Women’s History, Queer History.’

‘And Black History isn’t going anywhere – no matter how hard some may try to erase it,’ said Hudson, whose grand-mother hailed from Jamaica, in a message to constituents on Wednesday honoring Black History.

‘Here in Brooklyn, Black history is rooted in real places and real people,’ added the representative for the 35th Council District in Brooklyn, noting that ‘Weeksville was one of the largest free Black communities in the country, built by Black New Yorkers who acquired land, educated their children, created institutions, and defined freedom for themselves long before this nation was willing to recognize it.’

Hudson said that same spirit lives on in leaders like late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the daughter of Barbadian and Guyanese immigrants.

Chisholm was born on November 30, 1924 in Brooklyn and died on January 1, 2005 in Ormond Beach, Florida.

She made history as the first African American woman to be elected to the US Congress, serving in the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983.

In 1972, Chisholm also became the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.

Hudson said Chisholm ‘did not wait for permission to lead; she spoke plainly, governed boldly, and made room for people who had long been shut out of power.

‘Her legacy is a reminder that representation matters, and that change comes from people who are deeply accountable to their communities,’ she said.

Across historically Black Brooklyn, neighborhoods, movements, and culture ‘thrive that continue to shape New York City and the country,’ Hudson said.

‘This history is living,’ she said. ‘It shows up in our organizing, our art, our institutions, and our everyday acts of care for one another.’

Hudson said this Black History Month comes at a time ‘when that history is being challenged and distorted.

‘We are seeing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion; efforts to censor classrooms; and attempts to deny the realities of racism in this country,’ she said. ‘That makes this moment about more than celebration; it is about telling the truth, protecting our history, and making sure the next generation knows where we come from and what is possible.’

The Council Member noted that one thing she always says is ‘when Black people thrive, everyone thrives.’

She said that’s why she published A Black Agenda for NYC and built on its recommendations by passing a Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation bill in 2024, which established the Commission on Racial Equity to confront the historic and ongoing mistreatment of Black New Yorkers.

Hudson said she knew how critical it was for government to take real action against systemic racist and anti-Black policies, practices, and laws.

‘This month, and every month, we remain committed to honoring Black history not just with words, but with action,’ she said.

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has extended congratulations to legendary West Indies captain, Sir Clive Lloyd on his pending appointment as president of Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC).

Sir Clive was unanimously endorsed by the LCCC’s Board to take over from former president Dame Sarah Storey.

His appointment will be formally presented at the LCCC’s upcoming Annual General Meeting where it will be submitted to the members for ratification.

In a statement, the GCB saluted Sir Clive on this latest honour which it said ‘stands as further testament to his extraordinary contributions to cricket at the county, regional, and international levels. The GCB is confident that his wisdom, leadership, and deep love for the game will continue to enrich Lancashire County Cricket Club and indeed the global cricketing community.’

Additionally, the GCB said it was especially proud that Sir Clive continues to serve the development of cricket at home as an Executive Member of the GCB, where he provides invaluable guidance in his role as a specialist cricket consultant contributing his vast experience and insight to the growth of the game in Guyana.

The 81-year-old, who played 110 Tests and 87 ODIs for the West Indies during a storied career between 1966 and 1985, had a long-lasting and memorable affiliation with LCCC.

He played 20 seasons with Lancashire in English County Cricket and was captain for five of those seasons.

Sir Clive represented Lancashire in 219 first-class matches between 1968 and 1986, amassing more than 12,000 runs and playing a pivotal role in the club’s success especially in one-day cricket. His outstanding contribution helped secure two One-Day League titles in 1969 and 1970 as well as four Gillette Cup titles between 1970 and 1975. including an unforgettable century of 126 in the 1972 final at Lord’s.

He continued to serve LCCC beyond his playing days, having been a vice-president and a long-standing member of its management committee from 1993 to 2012. His enduring impact was formally recognised with his induction into the inaugural Lancashire Cricket Hall of Fame in 2020, and more recently with a stand at Old Trafford Cricket Ground being named in his honour, alongside fellow cricket legend Farokh Engineer.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith says Jamaica has seen little movement towards resuming the immigrant visa processing for the United States after Washington announced a freeze on process for 75 countries in January.

According to Johnson Smith the government is still in the dark as to why Jamaica was included.

‘There has been engagement. There has not been any clarity on the basis for which Jamaica was placed on that list. In fact, the general sentiment is one of surprise, but it is a broad examination of processes where we’re advised, and that the system is paused. So we continue to remain engaged and open to provide any information that’s requested. But generally there has been a sense of openness to engagement and recognition that Jamaicans generally are productive members of the diaspora community, and we continue to leverage that in discussions that we hold,’ she advised.

Johnson Smith was speaking at a post Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday.

On January 4, US President Donald Trump posted to his Truth Social account a list of 120 countries whose citizens received the most welfare benefits in the US.

The list of 75 aligns with some of the highest recipients, including Jamaica.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, says the government’s decision to introduce new taxes this year was a last resort as his administration seeks to present a credible budget.

Speaking with journalists following the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Thursday, the Prime Minister sought to re-assure Jamaicans that the impact will not be significant.

The announcement of new taxes The Holness administration had enjoyed a decade long stretch of chanting the mantra ‘No new taxes!’

That came to an end on Thursday, when Finance Minister, Fayval Williams, unveiled a slew of new taxes.

Holness says the tax package was a last resort.

‘We don’t take taxation lightly It is literally the last resort but we have to present to the people of Jamaica a credible budget so the people looking on what we propose can have confidence that what we’re doing will be to their benefit..’

He added that the unprecedented shock from last October’s landfall of Hurricane Melissa left the administration with few choices.

But despite the new taxes, the Prime Minister is says measures are in place to protect the vulnerable.

‘I think when it it is stable and the public sees it. I believe there will be a significant understanding .I believe we have done as best as we could .and i ask for the understand of all Jamaicans. . we are not

The Andrew Holness administration is proposing new revenue measures that include increases in taxes on property, tourism activities, alcohol and cigarettes, and new taxes on non-alcoholic sweetened beverages and digital services.

The measures, to be implemented across two financial years, were disclosed earlier than usual to allow the Independent Fiscal Commission to review the Budget and provide its assessment of its credibility, said Finance Minister Fayval Williams who tabled the proposed revenue measures in the House of Representatives on Thursday.

The measures are part of the proposed national Budget for the 2026-2027 financial year that starts on April 1.

Under the new proposals, property taxes are set to rise following a nationwide land re-evaluation exercise by the National Land Agency, expected to take 12 months, with new rates taking effect in the 2027-2028 fiscal year, which will start April 1, 2027.

Tourism operators will face an increase in the GCT from 10 per cent to 15 per cent starting April 1, 2027, generating an estimated J$11.4 billion annually.

The SCT on alcohol will rise to $1,400 per litre of pure alcohol from $1,230 per litre, while the GCT on these beverages remains unchanged.

Public sector workers who import motor vehicles under the government’s 20 per cent duty concession will now pay GCT on these vehicles, bringing in an additional $1.3 billion.

Cigarette taxes are also set to increase, with the SCT moving from $17 to $20 per cigarette, projected to yield $1.1 billion.

A new SCT on non-alcoholic sweetened beverages, expected to take effect in the first quarter of the new financial year, is estimated to generate $10.1 billion in revenue.

Williams told Parliament that these measures are necessary to address the fiscal gap created by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, causing US$8.8 billion in damages-approximately 41 per cent of GDP-and disrupting key sectors including tourism and agriculture.

‘The passage and impact of Hurricane Melissa have materially altered the Government’s fiscal environment. The hurricane resulted in unprecedented damage to critical infrastructure, productive sectors, and public assets, placing severe pressure on public finances and reconstruction expenditure which is expected to extend across the medium term,’ Williams told Parliament. ‘Against this background, expenditure containment and administrative improvements cannot close the emerging fiscal gaps.’

In a statement Wednesday confirming the impending taxes, Williams stressed that equity remains central to the approach. She sought to assure Jamaicans that ‘the most vulnerable will be protected’ and that the new measures will be ‘calibrated, balanced, and sensitive to the realities facing households and businesses.’

The full Budget debate, which will provide further details on these and other measures, is scheduled for March.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, is warning the government that the new taxes could cause a further slump in the Jamaican economy, adding that the government’s heavily bureaucratic approach has complicated the process

He was speaking with reporters following the ceremonial opening of parliament on Thursday.