Category: CANA News

For years, Devynne Charlton had collected silver and bronze, near-misses and what-ifs.

But on a humid Thursday evening at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Bahamian hurdle queen finally silenced every doubt.

Charlton, the pre-race favorite, delivered a masterclass in the women’s 100-meter hurdles, storming to victory in a blistering 12.33 seconds at Hampden Park.

The win marks her first gold medal at a major international outdoor meet, a crown that had long been missing from her glittering resume.

The race was over almost before it began. Charlton exploded from the blocks, establishing an immediate lead that she never relinquished.

Her technique was flawless, clearing all 10 barriers with the crisp efficiency of a seasoned champion, leaving the chasing pack in her wake.

The performance was so sharp that it nearly rewrote the Bahamian record books. However, the 12.33-second clocking came with a tailwind marginally over the legal 2.0 m/s limit, meaning the time will stand as wind-aided and her national record remains intact.

But for Charlton, the number on the clock was secondary to the colour of the medal.

‘I’ve waited for this moment,’ Charlton said post-race, beaming. ‘To finally do it on this stage, representing The Bahamas, it’s everything.’

The battle for the minor medals was a fierce one, featuring two of the sport’s biggest names. Charlton’s training partner, Megan Simmonds of Jamaica, secured the silver with a personal-best wind-aided 12.41 seconds, a testament to the powerful training camp they share.

Meanwhile, the world record holder and defending champion, Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, struggled to find her usual rhythm and had to settle for bronze in a wind-aided 12.60 seconds, a distant third on a night when Charlton was simply untouchable.

For the Bahamian star, the victory in Glasgow isn’t just a gold medal; it’s the definitive statement that on the biggest outdoor stages, she is finally the one to beat.

The Belize government says it has approved ‘a limited waiver of diplomatic immunity’ to facilitate an investigation by Canadian authorities concerning an alleged incident of a domestic dispute.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said it had received a report from the State Representative of Belize to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) earlier this week, concerning the alleged incident.

While it did not go into details of the domestic dispute, the government said that it also received ‘a diplomatic request from the Embassy of Canada in Guatemala regarding the same incident.

‘The request sought Belize’s consideration of a limited waiver of diplomatic immunity to facilitate an investigation by Canadian authorities,’ the ministry said, adding ‘following a careful review of the request and the information provided, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade approved a limited waiver of diplomatic immunity and formally communicated this decision to the Embassy of Canada by diplomatic note’.

The ministry said it conducted the necessary checks to ensure the ‘safety and security of all parties involved’ and that Belize will continue to cooperate fully with Canadian authorities to resolve this matter.

‘The Government of Belize reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of gender-based violence,’ it added.

Thea LaFond leapt into the history books Thursday, capturing Dominica’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal with a stunning performance in the women’s triple jump at the 2026 Games.

The Olympic champion soared to 14.60 metres to claim the title, completing her collection of Commonwealth medals after previously earning bronze in 2018 and silver in 2022.

‘It’s everything I’ve worked for,’ LaFond said after the victory. ‘To finally have the full set, bronze, silver and gold, it means the world to represent Dominica on this stage.’

The Dominican star led a Caribbean sweep of the podium, with Jamaica’s Ackelia Smith taking silver and Shantae Foreman earning bronze.

Back home, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit took to Facebook to celebrate the historic achievement.

‘Congratulations to Thea LaFond-Gadson on winning Gold in the Women’s Triple Jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games,’ Skerrit wrote. ‘Another proud moment for Dominica! Way to go Champ!’

The Dominica Olympic Committee echoed the sentiment, calling the victory ‘another defining moment in Dominican sporting history and a testament to Thea’s consistency, dedication, and world-class talent.’

In a lighthearted moment following her triumph, LaFond joked about her post-competition cravings.

‘I definitely don’t need something from Tunnock’s like tonight,’ she told reporters with a smile. ‘I’m hoping for a caramel bar, one of those caramel chocolate bars.’

When reporters produced one on the spot, she beamed: ‘I love it, perfect accessory!’

The gold medal performance adds to LaFond’s growing legacy, which includes her Olympic title and now a complete set of Commonwealth Games medals: bronze at Gold Coast 2018, silver at Birmingham 2022, and gold in Glasgow 2026.

The Belize government says eight individuals have been transferred to the country following as it implements the Examination of Protection Requests agreement reached with the United States.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in confirming the deportation of the eight individuals said they arrived here under the agreement commonly known as the Safe Third Country Agreement.

‘In full conformity with the terms of the Agreement, eight individuals were transferred to Belize in July 2026 – the first transfers carried out under its provisions,’ the ministry said, giving no date as to when they arrived in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

But it said that the transfers were overseen jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Ministry of Immigration, in accordance with the procedures set out in the agreement.

‘Before the transfers took place, national authorities completed all required reviews and clearances through established national and international mechanisms, consistent with Belize’s due diligence process.’

The government said that under the agreement, ‘eligible third-country nationals seeking protection may be transferred from the United States to Belize on a case-by-case basis,’ adding ‘each proposed transfer is reviewed individually, and the Government of Belize retains full discretion to accept or decline any request.

‘The Government of Belize reaffirms its commitment to implementing the Agreement in accordance with domestic law and its international obligations,’ the ministry said.

Belize is among a number of CARICOM countries that the United States is seeking to have them accept third country nationals (TCN)

Earlier this month, the Antigua and Barbuda Parliament approved a resolution outlining the government’s negotiating principles for any agreement with Washington on the possible transfer of third-country nationals, with Prime MInister Gaston Browne telling legislators ‘if we were faced with an option of not taking criminals and to have visa restrictions, we’ll go for the visa restrictions because accepting criminals will destroy our country’.

But he noted that the ‘negotiations at this point do not indicate that Antigua and Barbuda is obliged to take any criminal elements’ and that all formal exchanges with the United States have excluded such a requirement.

He said the government would be prepared to consider accepting individuals whose only offence was a visa violation, particularly if they possess skills needed in Antigua and Barbuda, including nurses, specialist doctors and skilled construction workers.

He said that Antigua and Barbuda will seek up to US$75,000 in financial support for each third-country national it may agree to receive indicating that the country’s high cost of living requires greater assistance than other participating nations have reportedly received.

President Irfaan Ali Friday announced the establishment a Safety and Compliance Audit Team that will conduct a comprehensive review of the safety and compliance standards governing marine vessels operating in Guyana.

Ali said that the establishment of the new team forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen maritime safety and prevent future tragedies

The move comes in the wake of the July 18 sinking of the MV Barima, which according to officials manifest was carrying an 179 passengers and crew as it made its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region of the country.

The authorities say 72 bodies have so far been recovered, 76 others rescued and at least 30 people remain unaccounted for.

On Friday, a government statement said that the coordinated search and recovery operations remain ongoing, but that there ‘are no additional verified developments beyond the information previously communicated.

‘Further press briefings will be convened when significant and verified operations developments arise. In the interim, any information relevant to the ongoing operations will be communicated through the established channels.

‘The government of Guyana remains committed to supporting the affected families, maintaining the integrity of the ongoing operations and ensuring that the public receives accurate and verified information’.

President Ali said that the three-member team will comprise former director-general of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), Dr Ivor English; Colonel Julius Skeete of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); and Marine Officer and Surveyor of Ships, Captain Joseph Lewis.

He said that the members bring together extensive technical expertise, practical experience and specialised knowledge in marine administration, maritime operations, and the inspection and surveying of ships.

Ali said that the team has been tasked with undertaking ‘a comprehensive assessment of compliance with applicable maritime safety requirements governing vessels operating in Guyana.

‘It will also make recommendations to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve enforcement mechanisms and ensure that vessels, operators and the country’s regulatory systems adhere to the highest practicable standards of safety and accountability.’

Ali said that the establishment of the Safety and Compliance Audit Team forms part of a broader series of government interventions to improve maritime safety, reinforce public confidence in water transportation and help prevent similar incidents in the future.

On Thursday, a five-member Commission of Inquiry was sworn into office to investigate the sinking of the 87-year-old MV Barima, regarded as the country’s worst maritime disaster.

The statement Friday said that the Commission, chaired by Justice Godfrey Philip Smith of Belize ‘will now proceed independently with its mandate to examine the circumstances of the incident and present its findings, observations and recommendations upon completion of its work’.

The Barbados Police Service (BPS) is warning about the circulation of counterfeit United States currency and is urging members of the public and business community to remain vigilant.

It warned that the fake currency is being circulated at a time when commercial activity increases during the ongoing Crop Over Season, the back-to-school shopping period and the upcoming Yuletide Season.

BPS said it is also encouraging locals and tourists to exercise caution when accepting cash and to carefully examine all banknotes before completing transactions.

‘Business owners, cashiers, market vendors, taxi operators and anyone handing cash are reminded to familiarise themselves with the security features and remain alert for notes that appear unusual in texture, colour, print quality or security markings.

‘The public is further advised to carefully inspect all banknotes received during transactions. If you suspect a note is counterfeit, do not attempt to pass it on or return it to circulation,’ the police said, adding that persons should ‘preserve the note, limit handling where possible and immediately contact the nearest police station.

‘Members of the public are reminded that knowingly possessing, uttering, putting off or obtaining counterfeit currency are criminal offences,’ the BPS warned.

History was etched at Scotstoun Stadium on Friday as Grenada’s Lindon Victor cemented his status as a Commonwealth Games immortal.

With a season-best score of 8,096 points, Victor stormed to his third consecutive men’s decathlon title, a feat that resounds through the annals of Games history.

The 33-year-old Grenadian produced a masterclass of consistency and grit over the gruelling ten-event odyssey.

While the scoreboard flashed 8,096, it was the number ‘three’ that told the true story.

Having triumphed on the Gold Coast in 2018 and in Birmingham in 2022, Victor now stands alone as the only decathlete in Commonwealth history to win three gold medals in a row.

Despite having his best discus throw discounted after it was measured incorrectly. Victor’s season bests in the pole vault and javelin helped him stay far enough ahead of 2020 Olympic champion Damian Warner, who claimed the silver medal.

Warner, a legend in his own right, finished just 60 points adrift with a total of 8,036 points; however, the story of the night wasn’t just about the veterans.

In a stunning upset, India’s Tejaswin Shankar stormed to the bronze medal with a personal-best score of 7,976 points. Shankar, who has been the rising star of Indian athletics, surpassed all pre-games predictions to deliver his nation a first decathlon medal since 2010.

President Donald Trump’s nominee to be the country’s ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, has told legislators that the ongoing states of emergency on the Caribbean island ‘doesn’t bode well’ for the ongoing battle with crime there.

Trinidad and Tobago has been under a state of emergency (SoE) since December 2024 when the previous administration implemented the measure in response to intelligence in planned mass violence from criminal gangs.

Two months after coming into office in April last year, the Kamla Persad-Bissessar government has placed the country under another SoE that is due to expire in September after it had been recommended by Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro, as a result of intelligence on ‘coordinated and highly dangerous criminal network operating from within Trinidad and Tobago’s correctional facilities.’

Appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday, Jennifer Johnson-Carroll, who elected as Florida’s first female lieutenant governor and the first Black person elected to statewide office in Florida in 2010, said ‘the government, as far as the stability, I cannot speak to that.

‘If confirmed, getting down to the region and having more dialogue with post as well as the government to find out more about that,’ she told the legislators, acknowledging concern over the country’s security situation.

‘I do know that they have had several emergency orders, which doesn’t bode well with regards to the criminal activities that’s been occurring for a number of years,’ said the Trinidad-born Johnson-Carroll, who if confirmed will be the first Trinidad and Tobago-born woman to hold this position

The U.S. Navy veteran said she is aware of her priorities with the most important one being ‘to ensure the safety and security of American citizens residing in Trinidad and Tobago, including the thousands who travel there each year for business and tourism’.

She said information gathered on the ground would help shape strategic recommendations for the President, the State Department and Congress to address those challenges, as she spoke of the growing relationship between the US and Trinidad and Tobago, saying ‘right now the United States is experiencing a good relationship with the country of Trinidad and Tobago.

‘They’ve been very supportive of the Caribbean Basin Initiative security initiatives such that they recognise that they do have a porous border and we do need some resources or they need some resources in order to curtail against illicit human trafficking as well as narco-terrorists,’ she said, pointing also to energy as another major area of cooperation.

‘Additionally, we have an issue with regards to energy, of their production reducing, and the United States is committed to moving forward with a licence that has been accepted for a sector in the Caribbean area between Venezuela and Trinidad to help the country explore for additional resources,’ she said, adding that such cooperation would also expand business opportunities for American companies.

‘We can see that Trinidad and Tobago is committed to working with the United States to increase economic opportunities, increase oil and gas exploration, as well as utilise our assistance to help combat some of those illicit trafficking.’

Johnson-Carroll, who is expected to replace Candace A. Bond, whose tenure ended on January 20, 2025, was nominated by President Trump on June 1, told the Senate ‘this nomination holds special personal meaning for me.

‘I was born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. I immigrated to the United States at the age of eight, and I’ve carried a deep connection to Trinidad and Tobago throughout my life and career.’

Trinidad-born retired US Marine, John L. Estrada served as the US ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago after being nominated by President Barack Obama. He was sworn in on March 17, 2016.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) Friday said that as the region goes into the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season and the Caribbean Wet Season, El Niño is strengthening and water around the Caribbean steadily warming.

El Niño is a natural climate pattern defined by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, and weakened trade winds. It recurs every two to seven years as part of the broader El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

In its latest Caribbean Climate Outlooks publication covering the period August to October this year, CariCOF said that a very strong El Niño in the Pacific, implies a number of factors including an intense humid heat into the peak of the Heat Season in September, culminating in recurrent heatwaves, especially in the Lesser Antilles and Guianas.

It said also that there will be irregular and less frequent than usual bouts of Atlantic Hurricane Season activity as well as the potential continuation or exacerbation of drought impacts, particularly in Grand Cayman and the Lesser Antilles.

Belize Friday officially launched the development of its Electronic Single Window (ESW) for trade, with the authorities saying it marks a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to modernise trade administration, strengthen border efficiency, and improve the ease of doing business.

The initiative is supported with financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said the ESW will establish a secure, digital platform that enables traders to submit import and export documentation electronically through a single entry point.

‘By replacing multiple paper-based processes with an integrated online system, the ESW will simplify regulatory procedures, reduce processing times and administrative costs, and enhance transparency and predictability across Belize’s trade environment.’

It said that the development of the system will be undertaken by Concepto SAS, a Uruguay-based technology firm with extensive experience in implementing electronic single window solutions throughout the region.

The ministry said that the implementation phase will span 24 months, which commenced with the official vendor kick-off meeting held on Thursday.

The first phase of implementation will integrate five key regulatory agencies: the Customs and Excise Department, the Chief Pharmacist Office, the Supplies Control Unit, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority, and the Belize Fisheries Department.

‘These institutions will work collaboratively to redesign business processes, digitize permit and licensing procedures, and strengthen inter-agency coordination. The Central Executing Unit and the Directorate General for Foreign Trade are coordinating the initiative.’

The ministry said that once operational, the Electronic Single Window is expected to strengthen Belize’s competitiveness, support exporters and importers, attract investment, and contribute to sustainable economic growth by making trade faster, more transparent, and more efficient.

‘As implementation progresses, additional border regulatory agencies will be incorporated into the platform, ultimately creating a fully integrated national trade facilitation ecosystem that benefits government, the private sector, and consumers alike.’