Category: CANA News

The St Lucia government Monday said it is moving forward on the Loss and Damage Strategy, strengthening readiness for international climate finance.

The Phillip J Pierre administration said that the validation marks an important step forward, positioning the island to develop and submit at least one priority project concept note to the Fund for responding to loss and damage.

Loss and Damage funding is a United Nations backed financial mechanism designed to help vulnerable developing countries cope with the unavoidable, irreversible impacts of climate change. It was agreed upon at COP27 and operationalized at COP28 and provides grants for rehabilitation, recovery, and rebuilding infrastructure when adaptation measures fail.

The Department of Sustainable Development said that late last month, it convened a national validation session on St. Lucia’s Loss and Damage Strategy and Action Plan, building upon findings from the Limits to Adaptation Needs Assessment with recent consultations.

It said that the session brought together key stakeholders to refine proposed measures, recommendations, and project briefs designed to address the island’s priority climate-related loss and damage risks.

‘The validation marks an important step forward, positioning St. Lucia to develop and submit at least one priority project concept note to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) during its December-June 2026 application window, and more in subsequent windows,’ the ministry said.

It said loss and damage refers to the negative impacts of climate change that occur despite efforts to reduce emissions (mitigation) and adapt to climate risks. It includes economic losses, such as damage to infrastructure, homes, livelihoods, for example in agriculture, fisheries, tourism as well as non-economic losses.

It said non-economic losses includes loss of life, health, ecosystems, cultural heritage, and community well-being, often caused by rapid onset events, such as very extreme weather; and slow-onset events, like sea-level rise and rising temperatures.

‘This milestone was achieved through the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Green Climate Fund (GCF) Readiness Project, with the Delivery Partner, International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) and the Consultancy Firm, Adapt40, in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development, as National Designated Authority to the GCF.’

The Department of Sustainable Development said that the work continues with the NAP GCF Readiness Project, moving to build the island’s climate resilience.

‘This Loss and Damage Strategy and Action Plan moves loss and damage from a concept into coordinated national action, positioning St. Lucia to respond proactively to escalating climate risks, while safeguarding people, cultural heritage, developmental gains, and future generations.’

Banks DIH Limited says it will appeal a High Court ruling that granted an an injunction barring the company from from implementing a 1 per cent cap on shareholder voting power.

According to its website, the three principal business functions of Banks DIH Limited are the production of beverages, food products and restaurant operations. A fourth, and the most recent has been in banking services following the acquisition of 51 per cent shares of Citizens Bank Inc. in December 1998.

At its annual general meeting over the weekend, the publicly traded food and beverage giant that was established in 1969, had planned to amend its by-laws to cap shares purchase at 15 per cent, but Justice Sandil Kissoon Friday, granted an injunction barring the company from voting on the motion to amend.

Banks DIH Limited chairman and managing director, Clifford Reis, told shareholders the company will appeal Justice Kissoon’s decision.

‘At the close of the register for this annual general meeting today, the votes on the By-Law No 8 cannot proceed because Justice Kissoon has restrained us from doing so. And as a law abiding and responsible corporate citizen, we will comply with the judge’s order, however, the company proposes to appeal this matter to the Full Court for the discharge of this injunction,’ he said.

Guyana Americas Merchant Bank Inc and Beharry Stockbrokers Limited filed the action against Banks DIH, with Reis indicating that the Beharry company is not a Banks DIH shareholder.

Reis said Banks DIH, which has become a trusted household name in Guyana, must remain a company owned by regular citizens – teachers, doctors, nurses, farmers, and vendors – and not big companies.

‘And so we ask this question today, what does it say about a company, when thousands of people across generations see it as a part of their story. It says trust. It says belonging. It says shared destiny. It says do not sell your shares. This is why Banks DIH Limited is often described as a family company because it truly is,’ Reis said.

Reis said when he was appointed Chairman of Banks DIH in 1989, there were 7,100 shareholders and that figure has increased to 15,558 with the company looking to increase it further to 20,000 shareholders.

‘When I was appointed chairman of this company in 1989 we had 7,100 shareholders. Today, we have 15,558 – an increase of 8,455 or 119 per cent more. The target now for us is 20,000. We want to see 20,000 shareholders in this company- drivers, civil servants, farmers, and teachers. We want to see 20,000 small shareholders own this company. That is the legacy we want to follow with Peter D’Aguiar,’ he said.

A group of ‘concerned’ shareholders, in a paid advertisement, said at a time when dividends have not been fully paid, and in the absence of a third interim dividend in 2025, the board of Banks DIH Limited is looking to limit shareholders’ influence.

But Reis pointed out that a dividend payment of GUY$0.65 (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) per share was paid to all shareholders on May 15, 2025. A second dividend payment of 65 was paid on October 2025 and a third dividend payment of $1.70 per will be paid for January, 2026.

‘The total dividend paid to our shareholders during this year was three dollars per share unit and this resulted in a cost to the company of GUY$2.550 billion, as compared to GUY$2.210 billion previous year, and that’s an increase of GUY$340 million or 15.4 per cent.

‘My fellow shareholders, we made that commitment that we would pay a minimum of 25 per cent of the net profit in dividend payments. That target was achieved with a total of GUY$2.550B or 25.9 per cent of the net profit of GUY$9.8 billion.

Reis noting that it is the company’s intention to increase the percentage to 30 per cent, said Banks DIH for the last 20 years, has paid three dividends per year, and it will continue to do so.

He said notwithstanding the payment of the dividends, company’s expansion programmes were funded from internal cash flow without the need to borrow funds or issue any additional shares.

Banks DIH recorded profit after tax of GUY$9.8 billion for the year 2025 – representing an increase of 2.3 per cent. The before tax profit was GUY$13.7 billion as compared to GUY$13.4 billion in 2024, thereby increasing by just over three per cent.

The company generated revenue of GUY$47.3 billion.

Jamaican recording artiste, Keznamdi, Sunday night won the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album defeating his follow Jamaican artistes to take the coveted prize in his first nomination for the album, Blxxd and Fyah.

The other four contenders were: Lila Iké (Treasure Self Love), Vybz Kartel (First Week Out), Jesse Royal (No Place Like Home), and Mortimer (From Within).

In August 2025, Keznamdi released the 13-track Blxxd and Fyah.

‘Reggae music has always been a music weh defend truths and rights, and African liberation and black man redemption,’ said Keznamdi in accepting the award, while lauding his parents and his team.

‘We a represent Jamaican culture and dancehall and reggae,’ said Keznamdi.

In fusing classic reggae as the root with soul spirit, rock energy, and hip-hop attitude, his biography states that he delivers 11 tracks worthy of passing down.

‘I want to show bloodline is about your legacy, and your legacy isn’t about the work you do-but about your family. I’m speaking on the struggles of the common man, having loved ones out here, defending them, doing what you’re supposed to do, and playing a role to ensure you’re making this life better for your children.

‘Tomorrow is never promised. It’s not just investing in your business; it’s investing in your bloodline. It’s what I’m trying to do,’ he adds.

The biography states that a tight bond at home prepared Keznamdi to build a formidable legacy both personally and creatively.

Born in Kingston, the Jamaican capital, the biography says he remained surrounded by music ‘as mom and dad led the iconic reggae outfit Chakula.’

By five-years-old, Keznamdi contributed his first track ‘Mix A Color’ to the Save the World children’s compilation and ‘turned heads locally.’

‘Music is a service. I want to live in service. My duty is to show people if you have a dream, believe in it, and work hard at it, you can achieve it. I want to be an example of that.’

The Barbados government Monday said it had appointed a task force to address the circumstances that led to the vessel MV Christina Debora, an abandoned vessel that had been adrift in the South Atlantic since its crew was rescued in June last year, running aground off Sam Lord’s Castle, a luxury all-inclusive resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea last Wedesday.

The MV Christina Debora, reportedly left Ascension Island last year before encountering engine problems. Authorities are also reviewing applicable international maritime laws to determine the next steps regarding the vessel, which entered Barbados’ waters unmanned.

A statement from the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, said that on January 28, the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) received reports from local fishermen that the vessel was sighted off Sam Lord’s Castle.

It said additional information was received nearly five hours later indicating that the vessel appeared to be discharging an oil-like substance.

The BDF deployed assets from its Drone Unit and the Barbados Coast Guard (BCG) to investigate and a national response team was activated, which included officials from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Barbados National Energy Company Limited (BNECL), Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS), and The Barbados Police Service (TBPS).

Last Thursday, January 29, a joint assessment team conducted an initial assessment of the vessel and the surrounding area and ‘from the assessment, it was determined that there was no evidence of hydrocarbons present around the vessel, and as such, no oil spill was evident’

The statement said that to minimise reef damage, attempts were also made by the BCG and the CZMU to free the vessel, ‘but were unsuccessful, and inclement weather hampered any efforts on Friday’.

The statement said that the national agencies are currently engaged in ‘ongoing robust efforts to determine next steps and how to remove the MV Christina Debora from Cobblers Reef.

‘In the interim, the public is asked to maintain a distance of 500 meters as further assessments are being conducted by the inter-agency team, and under no circumstances is any member of the public to venture into the surrounding area or board the vessel,’ the ministry added.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) attorneys general and law ministers will join their counterparts from the wider Commonwealth for the three day meeting of Commonwealth Law Ministers that gets underway in Fiji on February 9.

The London-based Commonwealth Secretariat said that from the meeting takes place at a time when ‘the rule of law is steadily declining around the world.

‘Over the three days, law ministers will discuss how strong legal safeguards protect everyday life, from people’s ability to participate in democracy and earn a fair living, to their right to live in safe and healthy communities.’

The statement said that the ministers are also expected to agree on practical measures to advance the rule of law by improving access to justice and strengthening legal institutions that support stable societies, fair economies and environmental protection.

‘The rule of law remains essential to peace, stability, and development, yet it is under serious pressure in many parts of the world. Where it is weakened or unevenly applied, the impact is felt most sharply by ordinary people. For the Commonwealth, the rule of law is a cornerstone of our Charter and our work. It demands practical, thoughtful commitment and cooperation, not rhetoric,’ said Commonwealth Secretary-Genera, Shirley Botchwey.

‘In Fiji, our ministers will come together to strengthen the rule of law as the foundation of a resilient future, where every person has a voice in democracy, every worker is treated with dignity, and every vulnerable community is protected from a changing climate.

‘That is what our people count on us to do. By working together, we can uphold the rule of law as an essential protection for the people of the Commonwealth,’ she added.

The meeting will be held under them the theme ‘Anchoring Justice in a Changing Tide: Strengthening the Rule of Law for a Resilient Future’.

The meeting will also include five side events that will bring together youth leaders, people with lived experience of the justice system and disability rights advocates to ensure their perspectives inform ministerial discussions..

The statement said that the meeting’s outcomes are expected to help shape the agenda for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held in Antigua and Barbuda later this year.

The Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GBBFF) ushered in a new term of leadership this past weekend, with incumbent President Roger Callender successfully retaining his position at the helm.

The elections, held at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Headquarters in Liliendaal, saw a blend of continuity and change within the executive body. While several key figures were returned to their posts, three positions saw new appointments.

The newly-elected executive team is as follows: President: Roger Callender, Vice President: Vidish Sookram, General Secretary: Romelton Siland, Assistant Secretary: Selena Ajudia, Organising Secretary: Errol Teekaram, Treasurer: Nathan Willburge, Assistant Treasurer: Intiaz Satar

This results in the departure of outgoing members Coel Marks (Vice President), Tariq Dakhil (Organising Secretary), and Shemina Peroune (Treasurer).

In a statement, the Federation acknowledged its contributions, saying, ‘We extend our sincere gratitude to the outgoing executive members for their service and dedication. To our newly-elected team, congratulations on your appointments.’

Police Commissioner, Allister Guevarro, has been given a 30 day deadline to respond to a pre-action protocol letter as the family of a motorist, Joshua Samaroo, who was shot and killed by police on January 20, stepped up their pressure for an independent investigation into the matter.

On Sunday, family, friends and other supporters gathered outside the Parliament building calling also for the removal of Guevarro and Homeland Security Minister, Roger Alexander as a result of the shooting in St. Augustine along the east west corridor, also resulted in Samaroo’s wife, Kala Sealy, being left paralysed.

‘I am pleading with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, if you would like any semblance of respect and integrity to remain within your government, call for the Commissioner of Police to step down and your Minister of Homeland Security,’ said Alyssa Phillip, a co-organiser of the protest as riot police watched from a distance. Watch video

‘They are telling the people to wait and see how the investigation will reveal. Yet on the same day (of the shooting), the Police Commissioner himself came out and made a statement on it, making (statements) that his officers in the right.but now a mother is partially paralysed.a father is dead.

With an eye on history and a nod to legendary triumphs, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has launched the official maroon kit the regional side will wear at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Unveiled in partnership with technical apparel sponsor Macron, the new design serves a dual purpose: equipping the modern team for victory while honouring the 10th anniversary of the West Indies’ unprecedented 2016 sweep of global white-ball titles.

The kit is a vivid embodiment of Caribbean unity. Its iconic maroon base is accented with yellow and light-blue trim on the collar and cuffs. Centered on the chest is a bold, abstract graphic of palm tree leaves in yellow with light-blue detail-a symbol of regional strength, identity, and togetherness.

CWI Chief Commercial Officer, Rupert Hunter, emphasised the kit’s deeper significance. ‘This represents far more than match apparel; it represents the collective passion and ‘Maroon Spirit’ of 15 Caribbean nations under a single sporting ‘flag’,’ he stated.

He praised the ongoing partnership with Macron for delivering ‘world-class designs that honour the West Indies’ heritage’. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make the region proud once more on the global stage in 2026.

In a gesture to fans worldwide, CWI has launched a special promotion. Anyone purchasing the official jersey from now until the tournament’s conclusion on March 8, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two major prizes: a team-signed jersey or a bat signed by every member of the 2026 World Cup squad.

Gianluca Pavanello, CEO of Macron, highlighted the importance of the CWI partnership, which began in 2023, as a ‘defining moment’ for the brand’s entry into elite international cricket.

‘The new West Indies kits combine respect for heritage with contemporary design, technical performance and sustainability,’ Pavanello said, noting that Macron will be the most represented brand at the upcoming T20 World Cup, outfitting four competing nations.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis says he is disappointed that public healthcare nurses have taken industrial action over issues regarding the payment of overtime.

You know, it’s disappointing. When I think what this government, this administration, and me in particular, recognising the value of nurses, recognising the sacrifices they make, and also recognising the fact that we are under siege by other jurisdictions to lure them away from their home jurisdiction,’ Prime Minister Davis told reporters.

The issue of nurses’ overtime became a major issue last week after the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) issued an internal memo to staff on January 14 advising that all overtime payments, effective from the January 2026 pay period, required approval from the managing director’s office before it could be processed. Just ovver two million US dollars are owed to the nurses.

Union leaders said the directive effectively blocked overtime pay and disrespected staff already stretched thin by shortages.

But Davis said the issue of overtime only came to his attention recently and within that time, ‘we made the arrangements to pay them.’

He said it is unfortunate that the nurses reacted they way they did and said they should trust in him and his administration.

PHA Deputy Financial Controller Ryan Bastian, who wrote the memo, said the action was necessary because the overtime budget was exhausted in September 2025.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville has questioned why the government was not alerted sooner that the PHA had run out of overtime funds, suggesting a breakdown in communication.

He said the delay in payments is serious and that meetings have been held with PHA officials to resolve the matter.

Last Friday, Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) President Muriel Lightbourne said that public health nurses are ‘fed up and tired of being dissed

‘They (nurses) don’t trust PHA simply because they’ve been promising to do things and have not yet done it,’ she said.

The authorities are also concerned that nurses were leaving for greener pastures because of low wages with both the BNU and the Bahamas Public Service Union president, Kimsley Ferguson, urging members not to work beyond their shifts until payments are made.

‘The nurses’ resolve is, until they get their monies, they will not be going to work. That’s the resolve, said Lightbourne.

Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali Monday aid that differences of opinion within the 15-member regional integration grouping, CARICOM, should not be viewed as ‘divisive’ as he sought to soften the recent impact of differences in the regional integration movement.

‘While we must strive earnestly for consensus, a plurality of views, and at times divergence in perspectives are essential to the vitality of our deliberations,’ Ali said as he addressed a joint session of the Belize Parliament.

Ali, who is on a three-day state visit to the CARICOM country, said that differences of positions were also good for the regional grouping.

‘Such diversity sharpens analysis, strengthens decision-making, and ensures that outcomes are more inclusive and reflective of our lived realities. Respectful disagreements are not a source of fragmentation,’ he said.

He said that CARICOM has stood the test of time for more than 50 years, remaining resilient and relevant in a changing global environment, even as he acknowledged that the time has come to strengthen the organisation.

‘It is now incumbent upon us to make the community stronger, more responsive, and better equipped to serve both the collective and national interests of our peoples. This requires renewal, commitment, and a shared sense of purpose,’ Ali said.

CARICOM leaders are due to meet in St. Kitts and Nevis from February 24-27 and in recent times the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been critical of the integration movement following her country’s support for the United States war on drugs in the Caribbean.

Last December, Persad-Bissessar said the regional organisation was ‘not a reliable partner at this time’ and that every sovereign state must be prepared to accept the consequences of its foreign and domestic policy choices as she defended the United States’ announcement of partial entry restrictions on nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.

‘CARICOM cannot continue to operate in this dysfunctional and self-destructive manner,’ Persad-Bissessar said, highlighting what she described as poor management, lax accountability, factional divisions, destabilising policies, and inappropriate meddling in domestic politics by some member states.

She said also that the organisation’s support for the then Nicolas Maduro regime in Venezuela, which has been accused of human rights violations and threats against CARICOM members, further undermines its credibility.

She insisted that the Caribbean was not a zone of peace given the violent and deadly spate of a crime in the region.

But Prime Minister John Briceño in his address spoke of the ‘turbulent times we are experiencing.

‘We say unequivocally that the Caribbean should be a zone of peace,’ he said, adding that Belize believes in the non-interference of states

‘We can only flourish in a world with strong regional and international institutions that are well funded for us to meet global threats,’ he said.