Category: CANA News

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed says survivors and relatives of victims of the MV Barima tragedy are united in their call for the sunken ferry to be salvaged, insisting that recovering the vessel is critical to providing closure for grieving families.

Mohamed said he has met with survivors and relatives of those who perished in the disaster and has also offered assistance to support efforts to raise the vessel, which sank off Guyana’s coast. More than 30 people remain missing.

His comments come as the Government considers whether to salvage the vessel, saying it has received several local and international offers of assistance but will be guided by the wishes of the victims’ families.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday during an Amerindian Peoples Association protest outside the Office of the President, Mohamed said there should be no hesitation in recovering the vessel.

‘The families want the vessel to float, and the families told me even if it is the bones themselves, they want the bones because it will bring some closure to them,’ Mohamed said.

He accused the Government of resisting efforts to salvage the ferry because of what might be discovered once it is raised.

‘But the Prime Minister and the Government don’t want this vessel to float because they know there are a lot of bodies under there, and they know that when they salvage the vessel there are a lot of mechanical problems-the anchor is not working, the electronic systems and only one engine was working. So that is their concern, how they will look,’ he alleged.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips acknowledged earlier this week that additional bodies could still be trapped inside the vessel. However, he said the Government would continue to place the families of the victims at the centre of the decision-making process and would rely on their input in determining whether the vessel should be salvaged.

Phillips also maintained that the recently announced Commission of Inquiry into the disaster will proceed regardless of whether the vessel is eventually recovered.

Mohamed, however, questioned whether the Commission of Inquiry would be capable of delivering justice for the victims and their families.

‘If Edghill and Indar are still within the system, they will influence everything that the Commission will request and so we will not get any justice from this Commission,’ he said.

The Government has not yet announced when the five-member Commission of Inquiry, unveiled by the President last weekend would be sworn in and begin its work .

The Trinidad and Tobago men’s 4x100m Freestyle relay team delivered a masterclass in sprinting on Wednesday, obliterating the competition and etching their names into the history books with a sensational Gold Medal performance at the CAC Games.

In a race that had the stands roaring, the quartet of Liam Carrington, Dylan Carter, Zarek Wilson, and Nikoli Blackman touched the wall in a staggering time of 3:16.91, shattering both the CAC Games record and the Trinidad and Tobago National Record.

The previous Games record of 3:17.95, held by Mexico since 2018, was left in the wake of the Caribbean speedsters. Mexico finished with silver in 3:18.06, while Venezuela took bronze with a time of 3:19.69.

‘This is a phenomenal achievement for these athletes and a testament to the strength of Trinidad and Tobago swimming,’ said a spokesperson for the Aquatics Sports Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ASATT), who extended their proud congratulations to the team. ‘From the first stroke to the final touch, this was a performance that showcased the speed, depth, and bright future of our nation.’

The victory was built on a foundation of individual excellence, starting with the opening leg. Lead-off swimmer Liam Carrington blasted a split of 49.30, a time that not only set the tone for the relay but also represented a personal milestone.

Carrington lowered his own 15-17 Age Group National Record, smashing the 49.75 mark he set earlier this year at CARIFTA in Martinique.

Carrington handed over to Dylan Carter, who maintained the pressure, allowing Zarek Wilson and anchor Nikoli Blackman to extend the lead and secure the historic victory.

With this performance, the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay team has secured their place as the fastest in CAC Games history, delivering a gold medal that will be remembered for years to come.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith says the third Jamaican deported from the United States to the African nation of Eswatini earlier this month has also indicated that he does not wish to return to Jamaica at this time.

Johnson Smith provided the update during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, noting that all three Jamaican nationals removed to the southern African nation under the United States’ controversial Third Country National (TCN) programme have now expressed a desire to remain there rather than return home.

The minister said the Jamaican government is still awaiting a response from U.S. authorities regarding the circumstances under which the three men were deported to Eswatini.

She also disclosed that the United States does not notify the Jamaican government when its nationals are removed to a third country under the TCN arrangement, limiting Kingston’s ability to respond promptly to such cases.

Caribbean immigration advocates in New York have welcomed the launch of the Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT) aimed at not colluding with federal immigration enforcement, such as United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP).

In making the announcement, New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul said that OIT will be charged with investigating potential unlawful collusion by State and local government employees with federal immigration enforcement, and sent letters to the 12 local law enforcement agencies in New York that currently have 287(g) agreements with ICE, informing them that state law requires they unwind the agreements by August 25.

‘New York State is not in the business of doing ICE’s dirty work.’ Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Wednesday.

NYIC is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York.

‘New Yorkers should have full confidence that State and local agencies are fully implementing recently enacted laws that limit collaboration with ICE and Border Patrol, and expand data protections in interactions with government agencies,’ Awawdeh said. ‘The Office of Immigrant Trust, under the authority of the New York State Attorney General, will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with these laws, particularly in ensuring all local jurisdictions terminate all 287(g) agreements and that New Yorkers are not held in local jails for alleged immigration violations.

‘We applaud Attorney General Letitia James for swiftly creating this office, and look forward to working with OIT and other State partners to ensure that State resources are never used to disappear our immigrant neighbors,’ he added.

James and Hochul said the new OIT is a first-of-its-kind statewide bureau within the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

Created as part of a legislative package championed and signed by Hochul on May 27, 2026, James said on Wednesday that OIT is ‘dedicated to enforcing New York laws that protect immigrant communities, strengthen public trust, and limit the use of state and local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement.’

As part of its duties, she said OIT will receive complaints, provide guidance to state and local agencies, conduct investigations, and take legal action when necessary to ensure compliance with state law.

‘New York is strongest when every community is able to trust the institutions meant to serve them,’ said Attorney General James. ‘The Office of Immigrant Trust will help ensure that schools, local governments, and public agencies remain places of safety and support, rather than agents of the federal administration’s campaign of fear and intimidation.

‘My office is proud to stand up for immigrant New Yorkers and prepared to hold anyone who violates our laws accountable,’ she added.

Hochul said: ‘Nobody is above the law. In New York, we will not tolerate the diversion of local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement at the expense of public safety.

‘That is why we passed a commonsense set of laws standing up against federal overreach and ensuring that local law enforcement is not deputized by the highest funded law enforcement agency in the country,’ she said. ‘My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe. Ensuring our law enforcement remains focused on local crimes is essential to protecting our communities and maintaining public safety.’

The letters notified the 12 local New York law enforcement agencies with existing agreements that New York law now prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies from participating in any formal or informal agreement and using correctional facilities, juvenile detention facilities, and facilities for youth to house federal civil immigration detainees.

The Barbados’ economy continued to expand during the first half of 2026, with domestic sectors again leading the growth with real gross domestic product (GDP) growing by an estimated 1.4 per cent,’ the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB), Dr. Kevin Greenidge said Thursday.

The Central Bank says it expects the local economy to grow by approximately two per cent in 2026, at the lower end of the two to three per cent range published at the end of the first quarter.

It said that growth of 1.4 per cent in the first half came in below the pace that range assumed. Tourism, construction, and transportation each fell short of projection, and together they account for the difference.

The CBB said that external conditions weighed on activity during the first half, with the effects concentrated in the second quarter. The war in the Middle East raised freight and energy costs, disrupted shipping routes, and lifted the cost of capital.

‘Sharply higher airfares and reduced seat capacity weighed on the United States market in particular, and long-stay arrivals held broadly level rather than expanding as projected,’ the CBB said, noting that reaching approximately two per cent for the year requires second -half output to expand by approximately 2.5 per cent relative to the second half of 2025.

In a review of the Barbados economy over the first six months of this year, Greenidge said that the non-traded sector expanded by 1.5 per cent and that business and other services drove that expansion, with wholesale and retail trade also contributing and construction recording modest growth.

He said that the traded sector also expanded by 0.4 per cent and tourism value added, which accounts for about half of traded output, remained close to its level a year earlier.

According to the Central Bank Governor, long-stay arrivals edged higher, but shorter average stays reduced visitor nights.

‘Agriculture added to growth, while manufacturing output remained broadly unchanged. Domestic activity therefore sustained overall economic growth in a more challenging global environment marked by heightened geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, and softer demand in several key tourism source markets.’

Greenidge said that labour market indicators remained broadly favourable, while inflation rose from a low base but remained contained. He said the unemployment rate stood at 6.1 per cent at end -March 2026, approximately 0.2 percentage points below its level a year earlier, and unemployment claims fell by 3.7 per cent during January to June.

‘The labour force also contracted by 2,700 persons as the number of retirees increased, so the lower unemployment rate reflected both a reduction in the number of unemployed persons and lower labour force participation.’

Greenidge said that the 2-month moving average inflation rate reached 1.4 per cent, while point-to-point inflation rose to two per cent in May 2026, as higher prices for food, education, housing and utilities, and transport pushed the rate up.

He said government policy measures continued to cushion the domestic pass-through of external cost pressures.

The Central Bank said Barbados maintained strong external buffers, reinforcing its resilience to external shocks. It said international reserves increased by BDS$91.8 million (One BDS$=US$0.50 cents) from the end of December 2025 to BDS$3.1 billion, equivalent to 25.9 weeks of import cover and comfortably above the internationally accepted adequacy benchmark.

It said that the current account deficit narrowed to BDS$189.4 million, as stronger net current transfers and a narrower income deficit more than offset a wider merchandise trade deficit and a smaller services surplus.

Greenidge said that the government comfortably exceeded its first primary balance floor under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) 2026 programme. He said that the overall fiscal surplus reached BDS$347.4 million and the primary surplus BDS$537.5 million at the end of June 2026, with the primary surplus BDS$353.5 million above the programme floor.

He said government preserved substantial surpluses while increasing spending on goods and services, public institutions, and capital projects. Although both surpluses narrowed relative to the corresponding period of the financial year2025/26, the primary surplus remained well above the programme floor.

‘Sustained primary surpluses and continued economic growth kept public debt on its downward trajectory. Gross public sector debt stood at BDS$15.1 billion at the end of June 2026, $250.8 million below the ceiling set under the BERT 2026 programme,’ Greenidge said, adding that the debt -to-GDP ratio declined by 1.1 percentage point to 93.7 per cent, from 94.8 per cent at the end of the financial year 2025/26.

The Central Bank Governor said that the priority for the remainder of this year is to translate this stability into stronger traded -sector performance.

‘These buffers provide the platform, but broadening the base of growth and supporting the full-year outlook will require faster execution of major investment projects, higher productivity, and improved export competitiveness.’

He said that the forward indicators support an acceleration of that order. IN the tourism sector, forward bookings for the July to December period stand approximately 3.7 per cent ahead of the same period of 2025, with the United Kingdom pacing 10 per cent ahead and Caribbean and European markets also higher, while the United States market remains slightly behind.

Greenidge said planned seat capacity for July to December stands three per cent above the corresponding period of 2025, with increases of 13 per cent from Canada, nine per cent from the United Kingdom and Ireland, and five per cent from both Europe and the Caribbean, partly offset by an eight per cent decline from the United States.

He said ongoing work at the Pierhead Development, Coverley Residences, Atlantic Breeze, and Vistara Residences, together with the planned start of several new projects such as One Carlisle and the Afreximbank Trade Centre, should strengthen construction activity during the second half.

‘The resulting increase in investment should support business and other services, wholesale and retail trade, transportation, and employment. Improved rainfall and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security’s crop escalation programme should also support selected food crops, although weather conditions, planting decisions, and the availability of quality planting material remain risks.’

But the Central Bank Governor says external pressures nevertheless temper the pace of that recovery. He said freight, energy, and capital costs remain elevated, and further softening in the United States market or slower delivery of planned investment would hold the acceleration below the level this projection assumes.

Greenidge said that the global outlook remains subject to elevated uncertainty amid persistent geopolitical tensions and trade policy shifts. The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) July 2026 World Economic Outlook projects global growth of three per cent in 2026 before recovering to 3.4 per cent in 2027.

‘For Barbados, external developments influence economic activity through tourism demand, commodity prices, freight costs, and supply chain reliability. A further escalation in geopolitical tensions or trade restrictions could weaken external demand for tourism, raise imported costs, disrupt supply chains, dampen business confidence and investment, and increase uncertainty around external financing.’

Greenidge said that domestic inflation should rise modestly as global input costs strengthen, although targeted government measures should contain the pass -through. He said that the CBB projects the 12 -month moving average inflation rate within a range of two to three per cent in the near term.

‘Higher food, energy, and freight costs create the upward pressure. Targeted government measures should limit the domestic effect, particularly o n energy prices. Further geopolitical escalation presents the main upside risk to this projection,’ Greenidge said, noting that tourism earnings and other external inflows should keep international reserves strong and adequate.

‘The first-half increase in current transfers reflected corporate tax receipts, including flows associated with the global minimum tax regime, which may not recur at the same pace. Higher fuel imports, weaker tourism demand, delays to investment inflows, and geopolitical disruption present the principal risks to the external position.’

Greenidge said BERT 2026 and the precautionary IMF Stand -By Arrangement provide a framework for maintaining fiscal discipline, protecting external buffers, and advancing reforms that support investment and productivity.

‘The arrangement offers insurance against external shocks without drawing on Fund resources, while the programme anchors the primary balance path required to continue reducing public debt. Continued progress on tax administration and public sector governance reforms should support that path.

‘Continued economic growth should support lending and asset quality, while strong capital and liquidity protect the system against shocks. Improvements in borrower repayment performance should preserve loan quality, and capital and liquidity positions provide the capacity to absorb shocks,’ Greenidge said, adding that the recent rollout of BiMPay, the national instant payment system launched in June, should improve payment efficiency, broaden access to electronic payments, and support financial inclusion over time.

‘Strong buffers give Barbados the capacity to withstand shocks, but the full -year growth outcome will depend on faster investment execution, stronger productivity, and improved traded -sector performance. Prudent fiscal management and the timely delivery of public and private investment s will determine how much of the projected acceleration materialises,’ Greenidge added.

Guyana’s Raekwon Noel announced himself as the new king of the pool at the Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte, delivering a historic double-gold performance that shattered records and cemented his place in Guyanese sporting history.

The Swimming sensation was simply untouchable across two electrifying evenings of competition, rewriting the record books and becoming the first Guyanese man to breach the two-minute barrier in the 200m Individual Medley.

Noel launched his campaign in emphatic fashion on Tuesday, cruising through the heats of the Men’s 200m Individual Medley with a victory in heat one, stopping the clock at 2:01.73.

But it was in Tuesday’s final that Noel truly announced his arrival on the regional stage.

In a display of sheer dominance, he touched the wall at 1:59.35, shattering both the Guyanese national record and the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games record. Mexico’s Humberto Najera (2:00.07) and Guatemala’s Erick Gordillo (2:01.29) were left to settle for silver and bronze, respectively.

‘It’s just an incredible feeling,’ Noel said after his historic swim. ‘I’d just like to say thank you to everyone back in Guyana for your support. I mean, I’m not on any social media right now, but I know the comments are flooding with love, and I’m really thankful to be a part of the entire story Guyana has to offer.’

The 20-year-old wasn’t finished there. Returning to the pool on Wednesday, Noel blazed through the 200m Butterfly heats, clocking 1:59.52 to qualify as the fastest swimmer, ahead of Puerto Rico’s Andres Brooks (2:00.54) and El Salvador’s Rodrigo Ventura (2:00.98).

In Wednesday’s final, Noel delivered another masterclass, touching the board at 1:56.82 to secure his second gold medal of the Games.

The performance came agonisingly close to his own national record of 1:56.62, set just last month at the TYR Pro Swim Series.

Venezuela’s Manuel Diaz (1:58.07) claimed silver, while Mexico’s Rafael Rizpe and Puerto Rico’s Andres Brooks shared bronze after both clocked identical times of 1:58.77.

For Noel, the victories represent more than personal glory. The young swimmer is already looking toward the future and the legacy he hopes to build.

‘We have so much potential; you know we have great athletes in the future too,’ Noel reflected. ‘I just want to be a role model for as many Guyanese as possible to see that this is something that anyone can achieve, and you can do it any day.’

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Thursday, July 30, 2026.

GEORGETOWN – Guyana on Thursday officially swore in a five-member Commission of Inquiry to investigate the sinking of the MV Barima earlier this month, a maritime disaster that is believed to have claimed the lives of more than 100 people.

PORT AU PRINCE – US carrier, American Airlines will resume scheduled passenger service to Haiti on November 1, becoming the first United States carrier to announce the return of regular commercial flights to the French speaking Caribbean nation.

BASSETERRE – Nevis Premier Mark Brantley is urging residents to conserve electricity and remain patient following the reintroduction of the domestic fuel surcharge, saying the measure was made necessary by global oil price volatility linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

KINGSTON – Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith says the third Jamaican deported from the United States to the African nation of Eswatini earlier this month has also indicated that he does not wish to return to Jamaica at this time.

SPORTS

SANTO DOMINGO – Guyana’s Raekwon Noel announced himself as the new king of the pool at the Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte, delivering a historic double-gold performance that shattered records and cemented his place in Guyanese sporting history.

The Perth Scorchers may have been eliminated from the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League T20 tournament, but they bowed out in spectacular fashion on Wednesday night, handing the Guyana Amazon Warriors their first loss with a thrilling 14-run victory in Match 10 at the Guyana National Stadium.

Asked to bat first by the home side, the Scorchers laboured to a modest 135 all out in exactly 20 overs. But their bowlers produced an inspired defensive effort, defending the total by dismissing the table-topping Warriors for 121 in just 16.1 overs.

The Warriors, who had already secured their final berth with three consecutive wins, came out firing.

Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Quentin Sampson raced to 47 runs in only 21 balls before Gurbaz was caught by Andre Fletcher at cover off Dian Forrester for a blistering 42 off 16 deliveries, featuring five sixes and two fours.

The wheels came off shortly after. Sampson was dismissed for three, Johnson Charles was bowled by Ashton Turner for 11, and the middle order crumbled as Mohammad Nabi 5, Gudakesh Motie 4, and power-hitter Romario Shepherd 7 fell in quick succession.

All hopes rested on Hetmyer, who fought valiantly for 31 before being bowled by Agar who finished with 2-29 off 2.1 overs.

Scorchers skipper Turner led the bowling attack with excellent figures of 3-20, while Sufyan Moqim chipped in with 2-18.

Earlier, the Scorchers’ batting lineup was torn apart by veteran off-spinner Mohammad Nabi and seamer Matthew Forde, who combined for six wickets.

Nabi returned miserly figures of 3-12 from four overs, while Forde struck early and finished with 3-21 off three.

At 78-8, Perth looked dead and buried. But Brody Couch and Dian Forrester staged a remarkable lower-order rescue act, putting on a 54-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

Couch smashed 43 off 30 balls with three sixes and four fours, while Forrester anchored the innings with an unbeaten 35 from 34 deliveries, dragging the Australian outfit to a defendable total.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors, already through to Saturday’s final, will now await the winner of Friday’s Qualifier between San Francisco Unicorns and Desert Vipers.

Guyana on Thursday officially swore in a five-member Commission of Inquiry to investigate the sinking of the MV Barima earlier this month, a maritime disaster that is believed to have claimed the lives of more than 100 people.

President Irfaan Ali, who appointed the commissioners, attended the swearing-in ceremony before Chief Justice Judy Latchman. The commission’s chairman, Justice Godfrey Philip Smith of Belize, took the oath of office virtually. A secretary to the commission has not yet been appointed.

The British Virgin Islands has launched a comprehensive review of its mental health legislation and policy framework as part of efforts to modernize the territory’s mental healthcare system through a new Mental Health Act and updated Mental Health Policy.

The review, being led by the Ministry of Health and Social Development with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), is expected to produce a rights-based legal and policy framework that reflects international best practices while addressing the unique needs of the Virgin Islands.

The ministry said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that people living with mental health conditions have access to compassionate, person-centred care within a system that protects their rights, preserves their dignity and promotes recovery.

Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley said the review marks an important milestone in strengthening mental health services across the territory.

‘Mental health is fundamental to the health and well-being of our people. This review represents an important milestone in ensuring that the Virgin Islands has a modern legislative and policy framework that protects the rights and dignity of persons living with mental health conditions while supporting accessible, high-quality and person-centred mental health services,’ Wheatley said.

He said the government is committed to building a mental health system that responds to the territory’s changing needs while remaining inclusive and accessible.

‘We value PAHO’s continued partnership and the expertise of the technical team supporting this work. Their recommendations will guide amendments to the Mental Health Act and the completion of a comprehensive Mental Health Policy that reflects the needs and priorities of the Virgin Islands,’ he added.

The technical review is being coordinated by PAHO/WHO Country Programme Specialist Katrina Smith, together with mental health law and policy experts Dr. Soumitra Pathare, Dr. Arjun Kapoor and Ms. Ramya Pillutia of the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy in India.

The consultation process includes representatives from government ministries and departments, the BVI Health Services Authority, healthcare professionals, the Attorney General’s Chambers, among others.

Officials said the legislative review is the first phase of a broader programme that will lead to proposed amendments to the Mental Health Act, completion of the Virgin Islands Mental Health Policy and the development of a Mental Health Plan to guide implementation and strengthen the integration of mental health services throughout the territory.

The initiative builds on previous efforts to improve mental healthcare in the British Virgin Islands. In 2024, Director of Mental Health Services Dr. Virginia Rubaine announced plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the territory’s mental health needs, while the Ministry of Health continued its anti-stigma Mindful Campaign, which later received international recognition.