Category: CANA News

Antiguan tennis star Jody Maginley started his 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, winning his first doubles title of the year at the Cleveland Open ATP Challenger event over the weekend.

Maginley teamed up with Cannon Kingsley of the USA to defeat second seeds George Goldhoff and Calum Puttergill 6-3, 6-4 in a hard-fought final on Sunday.

The unseeded duo navigated a challenging draw throughout the week. After receiving a bye in the first round, Kingsley and Maginley defeated Juan Jose Bianchi and Daniel Milavsky 6-3, 6-4 in the quarterfinals, before overcoming Stefan Kozlov and Brandon Perez 6-4, 4-6, 11-9 in a thrilling semifinal encounter.

The victory marks another significant milestone for the 208th-ranked Maginley who continues his steady climb up the ATP rankings.

Coming off a breakthrough 2025 season where he became the first Antiguan to win an ATP Challenger 75 Tour event by capturing the Morelos Open doubles title with Cuba’s Alfredo Perez in April, Maginley is building momentum toward his ultimate goal of competing at a Grand Slam tournament.

‘What it would take would be to have the year I had this year and add maybe four more good weeks, so substitute four of my bad weeks this year and put in four good weeks,’ Maginley said of achieving his target.

President of the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts is overjoyed by the national Under-17 team’s historic achievement of qualifying for the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.

The unbeaten Jamaican starlets ended their CONCACAF Under-17 Qualifiers in style with an impressive 3-1 win over pre-tournament favourites Canada in Costa Rica on Wednesday, to finish top of Group G.

It’s the third time in Jamaica’s history that they’ve qualified for the Under-17 World Cup, with their last appearance coming in 2011.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Ricketts said the team’s performance was a reflection of the JFF’s investment at the youth level.

‘We have invested heavily in our youth programmes over the last few years. Our TDS [Talent Development Scheme] programme, our Under-14 boys would have won the CFU Boys Challenge Cup, then last year again at the CONCACAF level the boys won that competition under [Andrew] Peart again. So, it’s [been] a work in progress, and the investment is paying off and we are just absolutely delighted,’ Ricketts said.

‘I must use this opportunity to congratulate my technical staff, who have worked so hard, tirelessly, to keep things on track and to ensure that we stay focused. I’m just proud of the boys. They have really, really worked hard. I watched the game, I was so nervous sometimes, but they kept their nerve and the result is that we have qualified.’

After missing out on qualification in 2025, the JFF named veteran Wendel Downswell as head coach to add further experience to the technical staff, which featured Vassell Reynolds, Altimont Butler, and Carlton Simmonds.

Rickets was full of praise for Downswell, who led the Under-17 side to the 2011 World Cup, and was also at the helm when the Under-20s qualified for the 2001 edition.

‘He would have brought years of experience. He knows how to qualify Under-17 teams, so he was a great addition to a staff that had worked so very well from day one.

‘Congratulations are indeed in order, and we are just supremely happy and confident going forward,’ Ricketts said.

Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has collaborated with New York Congressman Michael Lawler in leading a bipartisan, bicameral letter, signed by 98 of their colleagues, to United States Secretary of the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem, urging DHS to grant a health care sector exemption from the new US$100,000 fee on employers petitioning for new H-1B visas.

Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, represents the predominantly Caribbean 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York.

She also chairs the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

‘Worsening workforce shortages across all health care professions are significantly diminishing access to care in rural and urban communities across the nation,’ the letter says. ‘According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, nearly 87 million Americans live in areas Federally designated as lacking enough medical professionals to address the community’s health care needs.

‘Physician demand could exceed supply by up to 86,000 in the next decade, and clinical laboratory science programs are educating less than half the number of clinical laboratory professionals needed,’ the letter adds.

‘These shortages cannot be filled by the domestic workforce alone, and projections will worsen if health care employers cannot continue to recruit and retain international health care workers.

‘Imposing a US$100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions will exacerbate hospitals’ existing staffing challenges and could push chronically underfunded hospitals to their financial brink,’ the letter continues. ‘If these hospitals cannot petition for new H-1B visas to address their staffing needs without also having to pay this fee, it will further damage their financial viability.’

The lawmakers say that critically needed open positions will simply go unfilled, leaving rural and high-poverty urban areas without adequate access to Care.

‘We strongly urge you to exempt the health care sector from this burdensome fee,’ they say in their letter.

Ken Raske, president, Greater New York Hospital Association, said that ‘New York hospitals have long used the H-1B visa program to ensure they can deliver world-class health care, train the next generation of physicians, and conduct cutting-edge research.

‘The filing fee for H-1B visa petitions poses a grave threat to this critical mission,’ he said. ‘It will further strain hospitals, exacerbate ongoing workforce shortages, and diminish access to care. I thank Representatives Clarke and Lawler for their leadership and advocacy on this important issue.’

The letter was signed by 100 Members of Congress and supported by scores of health care organizations and associations across the country.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley became only the second Caribbean politician to win all the seats in a national parliament on three occasions as she led the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to yet another whitewash of her opponents in the Barbados general election.

Mottley, 60, follows former Grenada Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, who earlier this year announced he was bowing out of active politics after he had become the first regional leader to win all the seats in his country’s Parliament.

But unlike Mitchell, Mottley, the first party leader to win three consecutive terms in office, ‘ has now also led the BLP to consecutive clean sweeps since winning all 30 seats in the Barbados parliament when she became the country’s first female prime minister following the May 24, 2018 general election.

‘We are humbled by your confidence and trust. Thank you. Let us now come together as one people to continue building our nation,’ the BLP said in a statement posted on its Facebook page.

In Wednesday general election, Mottley comfortably regained her St. Michael North East seat and later told supporters gathered at the party’s headquarters in the heart of the capital, Bridgetown that her new cabinet is expected to be sworn in on Monday with the first sitting of the new Parliament scheduled for next Friday.

‘Something special happen in the country today,’ Mottley said ahead of a planned thank you rally on Saturday.

She recalled that when she first won the general election in 2018, she had told Barbadians that her administration would ‘work hard’ to stabilise the country.

‘We thought we would move to a growth path,’ she said, noting that soon after coming into office, Barbados, like the rest of the world had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and that over the last two and a half years, the government had started a mission to transform the country.

‘We did not come to hold office, we come to make Barbados better and your lives better,’ she said, noting that next month the BLP will be celebrating its 88th year as a political organisation.

Mottley, an attorney, said that that the party and government remain focus on what ‘Barbadians want us to focus on’ even as she warned against the challenges of ensuring the country’s democracy remains in tact as it moves towards celebrating its 60th year of political independence and its fifth year as a republic.

She said Barbadians must also accept the responsibility for the transformation of the country and that everyone must band together to deal with both the local and geopolitical challenges.

Mottley said she was also concerned about the situation regarding the main opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP), insisting that Barbados needs ‘strong institutions’ recalling also her efforts to have the party represented in the Senate following the previous two resounding defeats.

Meanwhile, the DLP leader, Ralph Thorne was defeated in the St. John’s constituency polling 1, 876 votes as against 2, 327 for the winner Charles Griffith of the BLP and 236 votes for the the candidate, Kemar Stuart.

Thorne, who was elected to represent the Christ Church South district for the BLP in the last general election, but crossed the floor to become Opposition Leader, said of the latest defeat ‘we acquitted ourselves well, fought a clean campaign.

‘The result is quite disappointing, no explanation for it,’ he said as he conceded defeat.

On Wednesday he complained of being unable to cast his ballot in the election, telling reporters that he had resided in the Christ Church East for more than 20 years.

He said he was being told to go to another constituency to vote ‘but the position I take is that to vote in Rendezvous is to commit fraud, certainly as it relates to my address.

‘So I consider that I have been denied the right to vote due to an administrative error by the Electoral and Boundaries Commission,’ he told reporters.

But university lecturer and former DLP president, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood, said that electorate had sent yet another ‘clear message’ to the party.

‘You can’t lose three times in this way and believe what you are doing,’ Yearwood said, urging the party to undertake a reform of itself.

‘This is not where we want to be.but the public has given the party a third defeat’.

Political scientist and pollster, Peter Wickham, said while the ruling BLP has ‘grown and evolved’ the same cannot be said of the DLP.

He said the election result is ‘more about the DLP and what it has to do’ adding ‘it has to make hard decisions’.

Wickham said that the campaign of the DLP was ‘horrible’ and that the leader has to step down.

‘The party has to start looking for a new leader and identify new talent,’ he added.

For the first time in its political history, the general election was observed by foreign observer teams from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Commonwealth.

The leader of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) President Ralph Thorne indicated he was stepping down from the leadership of the party following its third successive 30-nil seat loss to the Barbados Labour Party (BLP), conceding that although the result was ‘very disappointing’, the 70-year-old party remained ‘resourceful’ and would rebuild without him at the helm.

‘I want to say that the party came back after the obvious difficulties of two years ago. We came back and we fought together. We were united and the people of Barbados understand. And I think we came out looking quite well. The result, as I said, is disappointing, but this party is very resourceful in going forward. Clearly, the time comes when I must pass on to other persons. This is a democratic organisation. I do not write political will and a new leader will emerge, I’m sure in the fullness of time.’

He was speaking to reporters in the early Thursday at the DLP’s headquarters, surrounded by several of the party’s candidates, all of whom failed to end the Barbados Labour Party’s (BLP) ‘redwash’ of the 30 seats at stake in the House of Assembly and prevent the Mia Mottley-led party from achieving a ‘three-peat’ by again winning every constituency.

In 2018 and 2022, the DLP suffered 30-nil defeats to the BLP, which swept the polls in unprecedented victories.

Thorne said the DLP set an example for the young people of Barbados by conducting a ‘clean’ campaign.

‘We fought the good fight, we finished the course, and we kept our faith, and we go forward. This party goes forward with the faith that what we do is well done here, and I also want to thank the Democratic Labour Party. I have had amazing comradeship around here, certainly within the team, a group of young men and young women who made for a good group dynamic. We had an excellent group dynamic. When you saw us in public, and even here tonight, expressing affection, often it was quite genuine affection. So I want to thank the party for being a good party, and its work must continue.’

Thorne, who won the Christ Church South seat under a BLP ticket in the 2022 poll and crossed the floor in 2024, contested the St John constituency – the seat once considered a DLP stronghold.

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.

Jamaica’s U17 Reggae Boyz have carved their names into the nation’s football history books, becoming the first Jamaican team at any level to secure three World Cup qualifications following a commanding 3-1 victory over Canada here that sealed top spot in Group G in the Concacaf qualifiers on Wednesday.

The young Boyz finished the qualifying campaign with a flawless nine points after goals from Jahmarie Nolan, Jamone Lyle, and Jaheem Bennett downed a stubborn Canadian side reduced to ten men late on.

Jamaica broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Nolan found the back of the net, before Lyle doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute.

Canada refused to wilt and pulled one back through Van Parker’s penalty, but Bennett restored the two-goal cushion in added time to spark wild celebrations.

To compound Canada’s misery, Vincent Laurenco received his marching orders in the 85th minute after collecting a second yellow card.

Meanwhile, Haiti produced a nerve-shredding performance at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City, defeating tournament hosts Guatemala 2-1 in a winner-takes-all Group C showdown.

Sonson Jean-Baptiste emerged as the hero for the visitors, netting a first-half brace that proved decisive. The striker rose highest to power home a header from inside the box after just seven minutes, silencing the home crowd.

Guatemala responded almost immediately, with Patrick Arana capitalising on Hensen Chacón’s cross to level the scores in the 11th minute.

But Baptiste restored Haiti’s lead inside 22 minutes, unleashing a powerful drive from inside the area to complete his double and secure the vital victory.

The result confirms Haiti as Group C winners and books their place at the FIFA U17 World Cup for the fourth time in the nation’s history.

Both Jamaica and Haiti will now turn their attention to November’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar. The tournament draw is scheduled for May.