Category: CANA News

The Shipping Association of Guyana (SAG) has ignored requests for a meeting with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) informing the public that shipping lines and wharf operators continue to face a number of challenges beyond their control.

Many of these challenges carry significant financial implications, which are currently being absorbed by the respective companies,’ the SAG said in a statement.

SAG President Komal Singh said port congestion, as a result of port unavailability, was causing delays in offloading cargo but importers were not being asked to pay the additional charges.

‘All the additional costs incurred, they cannot pass that to anyone since they already collect freight from customers,’ he said, noting that another challenge was the length of time it takes for local agents to wire transfer United States dollar payments for freight collect – shipping lines bring cargo to Guyana after which customers pay the freight.

‘The longer they take to get their funds remitted the finance cost goes up for them again. They cannot claim that from anyone,’ he said, but could not say how much money was being absorbed by shipping lines.

Despite those and other challenges, he said SAG was instrumental in getting the relevant stakeholders in Trinidad and Tobago in easing shipping delays.

‘We were able to work with Port of Spain to get them to reduce the delay at that port for TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and vessels, I must say they have been very supportive by allowing vessels to get loading slots without much delay,’ he said.

Deeming GCCI claims that SAG failed to meet with ‘aggrieved members’ up to last Friday as ‘reckless and ill-informed’, the association sought to set the record straight.

SAG said that on November 26, 2025, it received correspondence from the GCCI outlining certain concerns and requesting a meeting.

On that same date, SAG said it responded in writing, proposing two possible meeting dates in December 2025 and indicating its willingness to meet on any alternative date convenient to the GCCI but so far there has been no answer.

‘To date, the Shipping Association has received no response or confirmation from the GCCI regarding this matter,’ SAG said, adding that it remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement.

T said it will once again write to the GCCI inviting them to meet, and it is hopeful that, on this occasion, the private sector group will respond and engage in meaningful discussions rather than pursuing the matter through public discourse

Health authorities are reporting an increase in cases of syphilis in Barbados and are urging people to take practical steps to protect their health.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, which did not disclose the number of cases on the island, said syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is both preventable and curable, but many people may not realise they are infected as symptoms can be mild or absent in the early stages.

It said syphilis can cause a painless sore at the genitals, anus, or mouth, or a rash later on, often on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. Other symptoms may include swollen glands or lymph nodes, fever, fatigue, sore throat, or body aches.

‘These signs are often mild, can come and go, or may be mistaken for other conditions. Even if sores or rashes heal on their own, the infection remains and can progress if not treated.

If syphilis is not treated, it can cause serious irreversible long-term health problems, including damage to the brain, heart, and other organs.

‘In pregnancy, untreated syphilis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns. These outcomes can be prevented through early testing and treatment,’ the ministry said.

The ministry is urging members of the public to get tested for syphilis if they are sexually active, ‘especially if they have new or multiple partners.

‘Testing is simple and available through public and private health services. Using condoms correctly and consistently remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.’

The ministry said that anyone who tests positive for syphilis should start treatment as soon as possible and inform recent sexual partners so they can also be tested and treated.

‘Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to attend antenatal care early in their pregnancy and to complete all recommended blood tests. Early testing and treatment during pregnancy can fully protect the unborn baby from congenital syphilis.

‘The Ministry is working to improve access to testing, ensure timely treatment, and reduce stigma so that people feel comfortable seeking care,’ the ministry added.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Monday, January 26, 2026.

GEORGETOWN – The leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, has been elected unopposed as Leader of the Opposition in Guyana as the government prepares to deliver national budget later on Monday.

PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinidad and Tobago government says the one billion US dollar sovereign bond has been successfully issued on the United States market and has been oversubscribed by approximately 2.5 times.

ST. JOHN’S – The Antigua and Barbuda government says it will shortly introduce another period of amnesty as part of measures to deal with the shortage of labour in critical sectors of the economy.

NEW YORK -The first contingents of the United Nations Securuty approved Gang Suppression Force (GSF) for Haiti are expected to arrive on the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in April, as part of international efforts to help restore security and stability.

PORT OF SPAIN – The director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West has confirmed hat an investigation has been launched into the fatal shooting death of Joshua Samaroo after a video circulated on social media showing that he had surrendered to the police with his hands up in the air.

SPORTS:

PAARL – The West Indies have unveiled their 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be played across India and Sri Lanka next month, with uncapped Guyanese batter Quentin Sampson earning a surprise call-up and speedster Alzarri Joseph ruled out due to injury.

MIAMI -The opening round of the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship qualifiers saw commanding performances from Costa Rica and Haiti on Sunday, as action unfolded across Groups C, D, and E.

Kitts-based Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) says it hopes that member countries that have not yet passed the Banking Amendment Bill 2024 will do so during the third quarter of this year.

So far, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis are the three member countries of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) that have passed passed the legislation.

The ECCU comprises Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Speaking on the ECCB programme ‘ECCB Connects’, the ECCB Chief of Policy, Dr. Tracy Polius, said the Office of Financial Conduct and Inclusion, although not officially launched through the ECCU, is responsible for market conduct and supervision.

She said this oversight should not be considered a ‘big stick’ approach but rather a supporting mechanism for bank-consumer relations.

‘So we will have the codes of conduct that have the force of law, like I spoke to, and from time to time, we will have what we call on-site examinations and off-site examinations. So that means we will be observing the behaviour of the banks through whatever medium, the advertisements and so on, and sometimes we will go into the banks to see whether they are acting in accordance with their own policies and procedures and the codes of conduct.’

She said the Basic Bank Account, launched in the currency union, is one way the ECCB, which serves as a central bank for the ECCU member countries, is ensuring that all persons can access financial mechanisms.

‘So some time ago, I think last year, we launched in collaboration with the ECCU Bankers Association, the basic bank account. And that basic bank account is a low-risk instrument that is going to allow for more people to join the banking system, because we are aware that it is difficult; it was difficult to open a bank account for people who have one piece of ID, who may not have proof of address.

‘So that instrument allows for more people to join the financial sector and to be able to leverage the financial sector for their own developmental agenda,’ she said, adding that after all members have passed the Bill, the Office of Financial Conduct and Inclusion will be launched officially.

‘So the timing is greatly affected by passage. We hope we could see passage by the middle of this year, that is, June-July. And hopefully in the third quarter of 2026, we could see a launch of this very important initiative that is looking to protect financial consumers and provide help them with financial literacy and inclusion,’ she said on the programme.

She acknowledged that movement in previously surveyed baseline indicators will determine, among other things, the success of the Office of Financial Conduct and Inclusion in the future.

‘So the ECCB, I think, last year or the year before, we launched a financial inclusion survey. So we have some baseline indicators here to determine the level of financial inclusion within the region. And so in a couple of years, years from now, we need to see some movement there.

‘Also, this year, we plan to have a business confidence survey and a confidence survey in a market confidence survey to see how people feel about the financial sector and also a survey of financial consumer protection, how people feel about the level of consumer protection.

‘And years from now, we will reassess and determine whether the indicators in there suggest that there is improvement. But we want to see, we could say that we want to see sudden changes, such as improvements in the number of people who have basic bank accounts and in the number of people who have basic bank accounts who have since transitioned from that and who now have an ordinary bank account, a normal bank account.’ Polius said.

The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago Monday opened a three-day energy conference promising to review the Safe To Work (STOW) programme after the government withdrew support for the event.

‘We have committed to reflect, review and make changes as needed,’ Energy Chamber chairperson Mala Baliraj told the opening ceremony following recent criticisms from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar , who had labelled the Energy Chamber as ‘self-serving’ and had instructed state-owned entities, including Heritage Petroleum and the National Gas Company (NGC) not to participate in the event.

The conference is being held under the theme ‘Building collaboration for a sustainable energy future’.

Last week, Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal told the post-Cabinet media conference that ‘STOW through the Energy Chamber is holding businesses to ransom by having a monopoly on who can conduct business in the energy sector using health and safety as a strangling tool.’

The government has moved to terminate the STOW certification as a mandatory requirement for state projects.

‘It is not practical for me to use this platform to address all of the issues raised in the last week, but I do want to acknowledge them and to assure you that we will address the specific concerns, through the appropriate channels in a constructive and respectful manner.

‘Our intention is always to work towards a collaborative approach with all of our stakeholders as such, we hope to be able to reposition and create a space for open and structured engagement with the government that supports the best outcomes for the sector,’ Baliraj said.

‘We have listened to the message in the spirit of constructive feedback. We acknowledge that some stakeholders believe the STOW programme has served as a barrier to the ability of small contractors to do business. We are committed to a collaborative approach to reposition this space.’

The Energy Chamber chairperson said that there is a view that the private sector body is ‘ dominated by multinationals and a handful of larger local members.

‘We hear this perception, and it is understandable where that might come from, but I take the opportunity to clarify. The membership of the Energy Chamber is varied and includes every ownership structure.

‘Among the roughly 400 members the range is from huge global corporations to micro-enterprises and everything in between. In order to guard against the dominance of one set of interests over another there is a robust, transparent governance framework, that ensures a diverse Board, that reflects this breadth of membership.

‘Given the current perception, we clearly have to do better. We need to ensure that the perception is not, in fact, driven by reality. So, to ensure that the perception does not persist, we will review our internal governance to re-commit to fair and balanced representation with broad-based engagement of our membership, and critical external stakeholders. ‘

Baliraj said that she also wanted to reinforce the aim of the conference, ‘as it has come under question.

‘The conference’s main purpose has always been to create a space, one time, every year, when the Trinidad and Tobago energy industry players come together. It is meant, to give us an atmosphere where we can discuss the issues that impact us all, see the ways we can work together, and kindle new networks and opportunities, for our businesses.

‘ I dare say, some have come to believe, that you can get a quick sense, of the health-check of the local energy sector by the ‘vibe’ of the conference,’ Baliraj said.

In her address, the Energy Chamber chairperson, noted the period of intense activity in the local energy landscape.

The Chamber made reference to several major milestones including the licensing of an ultra-deepwater exploration block to the US pil and energy giant, ExxonMobil, which it said has reignited global interest. The seismic vessel Amazon Warrior is reportedly preparing to begin a five-month 3D survey of the block this week.

‘Given Exxon’s unprecedented success across the maritime boundary in Guyana, this has understandably raised significant renewed global interest in Trinidad and Tobago. We have also seen the entry of another global player, China National Offshore Oil Corporation -CNOOC, into Trinidad and Tobago’s deepwater with bids on blocks TTDAA 24, 25 and 30. We hope those bids will move forward, into an active exploration campaign soon.’

In addition, the Brechin Castle Solar Farm, the largest in the English-speaking Caribbean, has officially begun feeding green electrons into the national grid and progress remains steady on Shell’s Manatee project and bpTT’s Cypre development, both of which are critical to maintaining the country’s natural gas supply.

‘In 2025, we have also seen projects that we had listed as being in the FID category ‘working towards a final investment destination’, moving into the execution phase with, FID having been taken, notably, Shell’s Aphrodite project.

‘These projects, join others, already in execution and working towards first production. These include the EOG/bpTT Coconut project, which is in execution with the platform being constructed in the TOFCO yard. And bpTT’s fourth subsea project, Ginger, also on schedule to deliver first gas in 2027.

‘The biggest project in execution, is the Shell Manatee, set to come onstream at the end of the 2027. By all reports, execution of these major projects are all proceeding as planned: important news for the downstream gas industry,’ Baliraj said, adding that while the government’s absence is felt, the industry’s daily operating reality requires high-quality safety practices that ‘protect lives and ensure workers return home to their families.’

She told the conference that getting investment decisions made, on these and other upstream projects, remains the most important element to secure the future of Trinidad’s energy sector.

‘In recent months, we have seen the Minister of Energy place a firm focus on accelerating approvals in the energy sector, culminating in the welcome news of the Cabinet’s decision to establish an oversight committee, the Energy Accelerator Hub. It is heartening to see a focus placed on this area and aligns with our advocacy position over the years. The Energy Chamber remains fully committed to working with the government on that process.’

This year marks, the 70th anniversary of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago with Baliraj acknowledging ‘those men and women of energy, on whose shoulders we stand’.

The Antigua and Barbuda government says it will shortly introduce another period of amnesty as part of measures to deal with the shortage of labour in critical sectors of the economy.

Government said the amnesty is intended to address current labour shortages across key sectors of the economy while providing an opportunity for individuals who have fallen out of immigration status to regularise their stay.

A Cabinet statement said that a number of non-nationals have become out of time due primarily to financial constraints, rather than willful non-compliance and that the amnesty will allow affected individuals to bring their status into good standing without penalty, enabling them to live and work legally and contribute fully to national development.

The initiative is also designed to support employers by expanding the available labour pool at a time when Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing increased economic activity and demand for workers.

The statement said that further details regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, date of implantation and the duration of the amnesty will be presented to the Cabinet at its next meeting this week by Immigration Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin.

Meanwhile, the government has announced plans to reduce the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) later this year as part of efforts to cushion consumers from the high cost of living, which is largely due to the high cost of imported items.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that with the country importing as much as an estimated 90 per cent of what it consumes, there is very little option available to the government to seriously tackle rising prices as the government has no control on prices of goods imported into the country.

But he said that as a matter of policy, the Cabinet has approved a reduction in the ABST to seven per cent between the second or third quarters of 2026 and that the decision follows careful consideration of the effects of international events on the country’s economy and continued feedback from citizens and businesses regarding the rising cost of essential goods and services.

He said the Cabinet agreed that temporarily easing indirect tax burdens will help households manage everyday expenses while encouraging increased commercial activity across the local economy.

Cabinet said that the reduction will be carefully monitored to assess its impact on consumer behaviour and economic activity and that details regarding the implementation of the measure, including specific effective dates and any administrative guidance, will be communicated by the Inland Revenue Department at a later date.

The director of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) David West has confirmed hat an investigation has been launched into the fatal shooting death of Joshua Samaroo after a video circulated on social media showing that he had surrendered to the police with his hands up in the air.

The incident which occurred on January 20 in St. Augustine along the east west corridor, also resulted in Samaroo’s wife, Kala Sealy, being left paralysed.

‘As with all matters of this nature, the investigation will be conducted independently and in accordance with the provisions of the Police Complaints Authority Act. The PCA takes this opportunity to reiterate that incidents such as these underscore the importance of the use of body-worn cameras by police officers,’ West said in a statement.

‘The Authority has consistently and vigorously advocated for the implementation of body-worn cameras as a measure to enhance accountability, transparency, and public confidence in policing.

‘Members of the public who may have information relevant to this matter are encouraged to contact the Police Complaints Authority by email at info@pca.org.tt or by telephone at 226-4722. The PCA will provide further updates where appropriate and in accordance with the law,’ West added.

The CCTV video, which emerged last Friday, captures the moments police officers opened fire on a car following a crash in Valsayn on Tuesday, killing Samaroo, 31, and leaving his common-law wife Kaia Sealy, 31, critically injured and paralysed.

Sealy, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was shot multiple times during the incident.

The footage was taken from a surveillance camera mounted at a Hindu temple opposite the scene.

Last Tuesday, Police Commissioner, Allister Guevarro, in a voice recording, described the incident as an ‘exchange of gunfire’:

He said officers of the North Central Division Task Force were ‘engaged in a high-risk vehicle pursuit when the car ran off the roadway.’

However, the video footage does not show a search for, or discovery of, a firearm in Samaroo’s possession, despite the top cop describing the incident as an ‘exchange’ of gunfire.

‘The occupants, instead of choosing to surrender, instead chose to challenge my officers. And acting in accordance with the use of force policy, my officers responded likewise. After an exchange of gunfire, two individuals were found nursing gunshot injuries and were taken for medical treatment.

‘One male (Samaroo) was later pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while a female (Sealy) remains in critical condition under police guard. A firearm and ammunition were recovered at the scene, and the incident is now under active investigation by the relevant investigative units,’ Guevaro added.

Last year, 68 people were killed in confrontations with members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), 14 more than the number killed in 2024. In 2023, police killed 45 people.

Head of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association, Assistant Superintendent of Police Ishmael Pitt told the Express newspaper that there is need for restraint and due process as investigations continue into Samaroo’s death.

‘At this stage, the entire issue is very sensitive and is one that is gathering public attention, as is consistent with incidents of this nature,’ Pitt said, noting that police officers were often required to make ‘split decisions’ in real time.

‘We need to allow the investigative process to take its natural course in order to determine exactly what occurred and let the facts inform the decision-making process going forward,’ he said.

Attorney Fayola Sandy, who represents the interests of Kaia Sealy, said her family has chosen not to engage the media at this time as they focus on her recovery.

‘Her family is currently unwilling to engage the press as they are focused on providing a healing environment,’ Sandy said, adding that she has viewed the CCTV footage now circulating publicly and that it appears consistent with the account previously given to her by Sealy.

‘In my respectful view, the footage raises serious questions and appears inconsistent with aspects of statements being circulated publicly,’ she said, adding that despite repeated efforts by Sealy’s legal team, police have not provided clear information regarding the legal basis of the operation.

‘Notwithstanding repeated efforts by counsel to obtain lawful clarity, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service has not provided clear particulars identifying the specific offence or offences alleged, nor any confirmation of an investigating officer formally assigned, save that a named officer is ‘expected to be appointed’,’ Sandy said.

‘In those circumstances, public statements being made by the TTPS at this stage are, at best, premature and risk undermining public confidence in the transparency and accountability required in a matter of this gravity.’

Sandy said she would not comment further on the detailed evidence at this stage.

The Donald Trump administration says it is taking steps to impose visa restrictions and revoke the visas of two Haitian Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) members and their immediate family members including their children.

‘These actions are being taken due to the TPC member’s involvement in the operation of gangs and other criminal organizations in Haiti, including through interference with the Government of Haiti’s efforts to counter gangs designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) by the United States’, said US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas ‘Tommy’ Pigott.

He did not name the TPC members, but said the action is being taken under the US Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) ‘which generally bars entrance to those whose entry or proposed activities have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for our nation.

‘The United States remains committed to supporting Haiti’s stability and to partnering with Haitian authorities to fight gang violence in Haiti. The Haitian people have had enough with gang violence, destruction, and political infighting.

‘The Trump administration will promote accountability for those who continue to destabilize Haiti and the region,’ Pigott added.

Pigott said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Haitian Prime Minister Alix Fils-Aimé last Friday in reaffirming the administration’s support f or the French-speaking Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM)stability and security.

He said Rubio ’emphasised the importance of his continued tenure as Haiti’s Prime Minister to combat terrorist gangs and stabilise’ the country.

‘The current violence caused by gangs can only be stopped with consistent, strong leadership, with the full support of the Haitian people,’ Pigott said, adding that Rubio added that the TPC ‘must be dissolved by February 7 without corrupt actors seeking to interfere in Haiti’s path to elected governance for their own gains.

‘Haiti’s leader must choose Haiti’s stability. The United States will ensure there is a steep cost for corrupt politicians who support vicious gangs and wreak terrorism on Haiti,’ Pigott said.

As powerful gangs continue to expand their control across the country, senior UN officials warned the Security Council last week that Haiti’s deepening crisis has reached a critical phase.

With the political transition set to expire on February 7, UN officials cautioned that escalating violence, entrenched criminal networks and mounting humanitarian needs risk pushing Haiti further into instability unless security and political efforts are urgently sustained.

The head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), Carlos Ruiz-Massieu, said the country had entered a ‘critical phase’ in efforts to restore democratic institutions, calling on Haitian actors to contain political fragmentation and prioritize elections.

‘Let us be clear: the country no longer has time to waste on prolonged internal struggles,’ he said, stressing the need for continuity of governance arrangements beyond the February deadline and sustained coordination to bring the transition to a close.

Ruiz-Massieu said recent steps toward elections were encouraging, citing the adoption of an electoral decree on December 1 and the publication of an calendar for going to the polls later that month.

He said new provisions on voter registration, overseas voter participation and women’s representation could boost inclusivity if effectively implemented.

But the UN said progress on the political front is unfolding against a deteriorating security landscape.

The UN said gangs continue to mount coordinated attacks, control key economic corridors and agricultural regions, and force mass displacement – stretching police and humanitarian capacity to the limit.

The murder rate in 2025 rose by nearly 20 per cent compared with 2024, Ruiz-Massieu said.

He said some security gains have been made, stating that police operations, supported by the Security Council-authorized Gang Suppression Force, have reopened roads in parts of Port-au-Prince and the Artibonite Department, while state presence around the capital’s Champ de Mars has been gradually restored.

However, Ruiz-Massieu cautioned that such gains remain fragile and risk reversal without sustained pressure and basic service delivery.

John Brandolino, acting executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said the evolving violence reflects a deeper transformation of Haiti’s criminal landscape.

Both officials underscored the importance of the transition of the Multinational Security Support Mission into the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and the establishment of the UN Support Office in Haiti, calling for predictable funding and continued international backing.

Beyond security, the UN said the humanitarian situation remains dire.

A new report by two United Nations organizations Monday noted that in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), violence continues to be a serious threat to the lives, health and well-being of millions of children, adolescents and young people.

In a joint publication, titled ‘Violence against children and adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean: New data and solutions,’ the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said the most serious consequence of violence is the death of thousands of children, adolescents and young people.

They said that between 2015 and 2022, an estimated 53,318 children and adolescents were victims of homicide in the region.

The most recent available data, focusing on adolescents aged 15 to 17 years, show contrasting trends by sex. Between 2021 and 2022, the homicide rate among adolescent boys decreased from 17.63 to 10.68 deaths per 100,000 in Latin America and the Caribbean, although it remains high.

During the same period, the rate among female adolescents doubled, from 2.13 to 5.1 deaths per 100,000.

The two UN agencies said homicides occur in a context of rising armed violence in some areas of the region, associated with organized crime, easy access to firearms, social inequalities and harmful gender norms, which increasingly expose adolescents to situations of lethal violence.

They said different forms of violence are interconnected and, in many cases, intensify over time.

The report highlights how violence is present from a very early age. In the region, six out of 10 children and adolescents under 14 years of age are subject to some type of violent discipline at home, while one in four adolescents aged 13 to 17 experiences bullying at school.

Nearly one in five women in Latin America and the Caribbean report having experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. Increasingly, violence manifests itself in digital environments, although available data remains limited.

‘Every day, millions of children in Latin America and the Caribbean are exposed to violence – at home, at school and in communities with a gang presence. Multiple places and situations in the region present real risks and dangers for children,’ said Roberto Benes, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

‘We know how to end the violence. In Latin America and the Caribbean, strong and sustained public policies are required to prevent and respond to violence in all its forms so that every child can grow up in a safe environment.’

PAHO director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa said violence has a profound and lasting impact on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents and violates their right to grow up in safe environments, at home, school and in the community.

‘Health services play a key role in prevention and response: when health workers identify people and groups at risk early and provide timely, quality support, they can make a real difference for survivors, their families and communities.’

In addition to describing the scale of the problem, the report highlights evidence-based solutions that can prevent violence and mitigate its costs.

To advance this agenda and end violence in all its forms, PAHO and UNICEF urge governments in the region to strengthen and enforce child protection laws, ensure effective control of firearms, train police officers, teachers, and health and social workers, support parents and caregivers in respectful parenting practices.

They also urge investment in safe learning environments, and scale up responsive services to ensure that all children and adolescents grow up protected, have access to justice, and live healthy, violence-free lives.

The report was validated during a regional ministerial consultation held on October 23-24 last year, which brought together more than 300 participants from across the region, including ministers and senior officials from the health, education, justice and child protection sectors, as well as civil society representatives, youth leaders and international partners, with the aim of agreeing on concrete actions to build safer environments for children and adolescents.

The first contingents of the United Nations Securuty approved Gang Suppression Force (GSF) for Haiti are expected to arrive on the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in April, as part of international efforts to help restore security and stability.

GSF Special Representative Jack Christofides, made the disclosure following a meeting here with the Dominican Republic Foreign Minister, Roberto Álvarez.

Christofides thanked the Dominican Republic for its cooperation and announced plans to visit Santo Domingo once he formally assumes his post in Haiti in February.

Christofides, who currently holds a senior post in the UN’s peace operations, was named by the group of countries, Known as the Standing Group of Partners and include the United States, Canada, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica, The Bahamas and Kenya, said the deployment is expected to be completed by October 2026.

According to Christofides, funding for the mission has been approved for a period of one year.

Álvarez also met with Carlos Ruiz Massieu, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), emphasising the importance of renewing BINUH’s mandate, which expires on January 31, this year.

Álvarez reaffirmed his country’s commitment to continue collaborating on medical evacuations of GSF members and providing logistical support from Dominican territory.

The GSF’s mission is to restore state authority and public order, reduce gang territorial control, secure critical infrastructure, and support the Haitian people as they work toward a return to elected governance and long-term stability.

Last September, the UN Security Council authorised the deployment of the new international force to replace the struggling Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, to restore state authority and public order, reduce gang territorial control, secure critical infrastructure, and support the Haitian people as they work toward a return to elected governance and long-term stability.

Meanwhile, over the last weekend, embattled Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, accompanied by the President pro tempore and Coordinator of the Transitional Council (CPT),Laurent Saint Cyr, attended the graduation ceremony for Haitian National Police (PNH) comprising 877 new police officers, including 156 women.

In his address, Prime Ministers Fils-Aimé, who also heads the Superior Council of the National Police (CSPN), reiterated that Project P4000, which aims to train 4,000 new police officers between 2026 and early 2027, represents a strategic response to the national security emergency.

Fils-Aimé reaffirmed the determination of the CPT and the government to sustainably restore State authority, strengthen the operational capabilities of the PNH and regain control of territories occupied by criminal and terrorist gangs due to insecurity.

‘This programme is a national strategy for regaining, stabilizing, and consolidating State authority. The State is no longer backing down. It is fully assuming its mission,’ Fils-Aimé, expressing the Haitian government’s gratitude to its international partners, particularly the United States, Canada, and the European Union, for their unwavering support in restoring security, revitalizing the economy, and organizing general elections throughout the country.

President Saint Cyr urged the national security forces to remain fully focused on restoring security, despite attempts to undermine the national momentum of retaking the territory.

‘I pledge that decisions made at the highest levels of government will always be aligned with the fundamental aspiration of the people : the restoration of security. We stand with the interests of the majority. The majority is not two, three, or five people. The majority is the people. And the interests of the majority are security.’

He also urged the security forces to remain fully mobilised against any attempt at destabilisation, reiterating that security is essential for national stability, the organization of credible elections, and the return to normal life for the population.