Category: CANA News

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says the value of goods exported from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) grew by an estimated 6.4 per cent in 2025, an improvement over the 4.7 per cent increase recorded in the previous year.

According to the latest edition of the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) report, titled ‘Trade Trends Estimates for Latin America and the Caribbean,’ the expansion was driven by higher export volumes, while prices improved only marginally.

It said that regional exports were boosted mainly by higher sales of metals, especially gold, copper, and silver, and solid performance in the agro-industrial sector, with gains in products such as coffee, cocoa, fruit, and meat.

Several manufacturing sectors also stood out, including data-processing machinery, medical supplies, vehicles, and plastics.

‘Despite the challenging global environment, Latin America and the Caribbean’s recent export performance has shown remarkable resilience,’ said Paolo Giordano, Principal Economist in the IDB’s Productivity, Trade, and Innovation Sector, who coordinated the report.

The analysis identified signs that the region may be entering a phase of sustained trade growth, although the balance of risks remains moderately tilted to the downside, and the outlook continues to be shaped by a highly uncertain environment.

The report notes that countries in the region need to promote reforms and attract investments to improve productivity and make their economies more competitive in international markets. In particular, they need to reduce trade costs and support exports and investments to ensure that international trade remains a major driver of economic growth.

Increases were observed across all subregions, though dynamics varied. In South America and Mesoamerica, the expansion of exports accelerated, driven by faster growth in volumes. In Central America, shipments posted strong growth, but momentum weakened in the second half of the year.

In the Caribbean, aggregate results masked pronounced volatility and significant disparities across countries.

According to the report, the growth in export values for the Bahamas was minus 0.3 per cent this year, down from minus 6.4 per cent, Barbados minus 8.3 per cent last year from minus 1.2 per cent in 2024, Belize minus 8.7 per cent last year from 12.7 per cent, Guyana 18.3 per cent as against 137.6 per cent, Jamaica minus 6.2 per cent last year from minus 6.3 per cent, Suriname 70.4 per cent from minus 40.2 per cent and Trinidad and Tobago 5.6 per cent last year from 3.5 per cent the previous year.

The IDB report said that total imports in Latin America and the Caribbean also gained momentum. External purchases increased by 6.1 per cent in 2025, up from 3.2 per cent in 2024, in line with the rebound in domestic demand and the evolution of world trade, the report estimated.

The report said that prices for the region’s main export commodities followed different paths in 2025. In the agriculture sector, coffee prices rose 49.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2024 (January-November), while soybean prices fell 6.7 per cent year-on-year and sugar prices declined by 17.4 per cent. Gold prices rose by 42.2 per cent year-on-year in the same period, and copper prices averaged a 12.9 per cent increase.

Iron ore prices dropped by 7.8 per cent, while oil prices dropped by 14.3 per cent year-on-year between January and November.

The IDB report said that exports continued to expand in the Caribbean, but at a more moderate pace: the 41.2 per cent expansion of 2024 gave way to a 14.6 per cent rise in 2025. This growth was highly volatile and concentrated in a few countries.

Following a disappointing performance in their just concluded T20I series against Afghanistan, stand-in West Indies captain Brandon King has admitted that the regional team needs to make major improvements ahead of next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The West Indies were below par with both bat and ball and their fielding was similarly lackluster throughout the three-match series, which Afghanistan won 2-1.

And while they produced a gutsy display in Thursday’s final T20I which they won by 15 runs, King said they had been well below their best in the series. ‘The difference in this game was execution. We had similar plans in the first two games, but I think the guys did exceptionally well today. All the bowlers bowled brilliantly, and we really made it hard for them.

‘I think we’re coming up with good plans from a bowling point of view, it’s just execution. Obviously, our batting needs some work, trying to not face as many dot balls throughout the innings to try and set up in the end better for the hitters,’ King said in a post-match interview.

‘Obviously with our fielding we dropped a few catches this series that kind of hurt us in restricting them in the first two games, so there are areas all around to improve.’

Despite the series loss, King said it was still a good feeling to end the series with a win and avoid a clean sweep.

He said the return of some of their key players ahead of the World Cup would also help to boost the team.

‘Obviously it’s great to end on a winning note even though we lost the series. I don’t think the first two games showed what we’re really capable of, I think this is closer to what we can do.

‘.We have some other guys returning now after this series so it will only make us stronger,’ King said.

Former prime minister Dr. Keith Mitchell Thursday night bowed out of politics in Grenada after he named the acting clerk of the parliament, Dr. Adrian Joseph as his successor to the St. George North West constituency that he has represented in the legislative chambers since 1984.

The 79 year-old Mitchell, who recently re-married, is the founding leader of the main opposition New National Party (NNP). He has been the parliamentary representative for the party’s stronghold constituency and on Thursday night, named Joseph as the caretaker for the seat. ‘To the people of St. George North West, you trusted me with the privilege of representing you in the Parliament of this country for over 40 years and 23 years of those you gave me the privilege to be prime minister Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

‘What more can any human being ask. How could I ever feel that I have been treated but anything but special,’ he said, adding that the trust given to him had been the foundation ‘of ever achievement around which my public life has been built’.

He recalled that in the last election he had asked voters for ‘one for the road, but I felt it was necessary to make way.

‘I have seen leadership in this country go on for so long to the point that they are not even able to physically walk.and I said that will not happen to me and I was confident that I had to make the decision,’ he said, adding ‘I am making good on my promise’.

Mitchell, the longest-serving prime minister in Grenadian history, has been a dominant figure in national affairs for decades. He has led the NNP to consecutive clean sweeps of all the 15 seats in the Parliament between 2013 and 2018, but lost the June 23, 2022 general election to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party by a 9-6 margin.

Joseph is a seasoned diplomat and senior public administrator and NNP officials say his nomination signals both continuity and change, a bridge between established political structures and an emerging public figure ready to step onto the national stage.

The Bahamas government has reiterated its zero tolerance towards corruption after a former member of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force was sentenced to four years in prison by a court in the United States earlier this week.

Darrin Roker was also given three years of supervised release for his role in a cocaine-smuggling conspiracy in which he accepted payments in exchange for providing information to help traffickers evade detection.

He had faced up to 20 years in jail, but the judge cited his advanced prostate cancer as a ‘powerful mitigating factor’ and said that without it, he would have imposed a ‘substantial period of incarceration.’ Roker is the first of 13 defendants to be sentenced in a sweeping corruption case involving multiple law enforcement officers and during the hearing, his lawyer, Martin Roth, while acknowledging his client’s personal failings, said ‘it’s not easy when you are living in a culture where the entire system, almost every branch, is infected with drug money and corruption.

‘He was weak. He wasn’t himself. In that moment of weakness, he joined the conspiracy and took the $20,000 .’

The US indictment alleged that corrupt police officers and government officials, from since May 2021, undermined the work and progress of Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), which was launched in 1982 to police drug trafficking operations in the southern Bahamas.

‘The increase in cocaine flow through The Bahamas has been a direct result of drug fueled corruption that has infected various Bahamian institutions,’ according to the indictment.

But in a statement posted on social media, the Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Latrae Rahming, dismissed the accusation, saying the Phillip Davis administration continues to cooperate with international law-enforcement partners.

‘The government remains resolute in its zero-tolerance approach to corruption and drug trafficking, and continues to cooperate closely with international law-enforcement partners while strengthening internal accountability, oversight, and enforcement across all agencies.

‘Individuals who betray the public trust face consequences and the actions of any one person do not define the integrity of the nation or the many public officers who serve honorable every day,’ he said.

National Security Minister, Wayne Munroe, also defended the administration’s approach, telling reporters that prosecutions of law-enforcement officers demonstrate that wrongdoing is being identified rather than ignored.

‘People ask me, well, how do I feel because you have all of these cases coming up against law enforcement?. I would think we should be more afraid if you didn’t see cases. If you saw absolutely no case against a law enforcement officer, you should be afraid,’ he added.

However in a statement, the main opposition Free National Movement (FNM) leader, Michael Pintard said The Bahamas cannot ignore ‘the gravity of what has occurred.

‘A senior officer entrusted with sensitive responsibilities was found to have abused his position for personal gain and facilitated criminal activity that undermines our national security and damages our international reputation,’ he said, adding ‘that serious breach of trust demands our reflection and action’.

Pintard said that a future FNM government would ‘recommit to removing bad actors, and deepening collaboration with local and international observers to improve investigative oversight.

‘We also intend to ensure serious investment in training, internal oversight, ethics education, and modern accountability mechanisms that reduce the opportunity for corruption before it begins.

‘I believe we can defend the integrity of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force while insisting on constructive reforms that reinforce accountability and professionalism at every level. Our national security demands it,’ he added.

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) says it is looking forward to participating in a two-day Best Practice Symposium intended to reinforce its commitment to providing ex-offenders with the tools necessary for rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.

DCS Principal Probation Aftercare Officer, Kerryann Davis, said that the January 27-28 symposium, being held in collaboration with the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ)will serve to advance the national dialogue on rehabilitating former offenders.

‘We are delighted to partner with PIOJ in their 10th Best Practice Symposium, and DCS is happy to be part of this conversation,’ Davis said, noting that on January 28 the Commissioner of Corrections, retired Brigadier Radgh Mason, will be making a presentation.

The symposium will feature testimonies from ex-offenders and involuntarily returned migrants, who will share their experiences of reintegration into Jamaican society, adding a powerful human dimension to the event.

‘This partnership will ensure that our offender clients get the tools they need, and that their families are also prepared to receive them when reintegration begins. We work with churches, schools and community clubs, and our Probation Aftercare Officers help these individuals to resettle,’ Davis said, noting that the overarching goal is to reintegrate offenders into society as law-abiding and productive citizens.

‘On the day of the Expo, we will showcase items made by our offender clients, including furniture. People will see that this (DCS) administration is determined to ensure that everyone leaving our care has a skill or a qualification, even up to the master’s degree level,’ she said, emphasising that the focus extends beyond job placement to fostering entrepreneurship among former offenders.

‘When they leave our care, they don’t. have to find a job. they are the job. They come out with skills and certification and can start their own businesses, and we know small businesses drive the economy.’

Davis said that the DCS fully supports the PIOJ initiative, noting, ‘anything that makes the lives of our clients better, we are on board.

‘We want Jamaica to come out and see the work being done behind bars, because these persons are coming back to us,’ she said, noting that the recent education partnerships that the DCS has established.

‘Through a partnership with the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC), several of our offender clients have completed bachelor’s degrees. Our aim is to ensure that when they leave our facilities, they go back out better than they came in,’ she said, underscoring the transformative impact of rehabilitation and recalling a testimony of an inmate who said, ‘Prison saved my life’.

She noted that he entered without completing school but left with multiple certifications in skilled areas.

‘We are responsible for rehabilitating persons who come into contact with the law in a negative way, and our duty is to ensure they are empowered through skills training to live productive, law-abiding lives’.

Leeward Islands Women elected to bat after winning the toss against Barbados Women in the final of the T20 Blaze here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Friday.

BARBADOS WOMEN: Aaliyah Alleyne (captain), Trishan Holder. Eboni Brathwaite, Naijanni Cumberbatch, Asabi Callender, Shakera Selman, Allison Gordon, Shamilia Connell, Theanny Herbert-Mayers, Shanika Bruce, Keila Elliott.

LEEWARD ISLANDS WOMEN: Amanda Edwards (captain), Qiana Joseph, Shawnisha Hector, Reniece Boyce, Jahzara Claxton, Davronique Maynard, Kayzg Boyles, Tonya Martin, Rozel Liburd, Chey-Anne Moses, Jess St John.

Umpires: Patrick Gustard, Jacqueline Williams.

The Governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBB), John Rolle, says the annual research conference on financial crime, is about safeguarding the stability of the country’s financial sector, enhancing resilience of the sector, and ensuring that legitimate commerce continues to thrive on a cross-border basis.

Addressing the seventh edition of the conference that has brought together regional and international delegates including the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Financial Action Task Force of Latin America (GAFILA) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Rolle said he is also impressed by the ‘remarkable selection of papers which will be presented at this year’s conference’.

‘The Central Bank of The Bahamas continues to find tremendous value in this annual research event. Namely, it encourages data driven enquiries into how, at the international level, the fight against financial crime can become more effective; it places a focus on how the cost and resourcing of our efforts, can be more effectively tailored across all jurisdictions regardless of size’.

Rolle said in addition, it continues to emphasise the importance of access to data across the regulatory and enforcement landscapes and reinforces the value of cross-border cooperation in strengthening access to data.

He said for the cross-section of Bahamian public and private sector representatives who are participating or exposed to these conference proceedings, ‘we are also boosting our jurisdictional capacity to counter money laundering and other illicit financial transactions’.

He said beyond the international commitment, the annual conference ‘is about safeguarding the stability of our financial sector, enhancing resilience of the sector, and ensuring that legitimate commerce continues to thrive on a cross-border basis.

‘These outcomes rest collectively on the confidence and trust that our international correspondent banks maintain in us. Moreover, our success also allows us to confidently adopt, and continuously refine risk-based systems that promote greater economic and financial inclusion, from which social cohesion and stability of our country is strengthened.

‘Having this perspective also explains why we are steadfastly committed to achieving robust and compliant outcomes for effectiveness against the FATF’s standards in the upcoming fifth round in the CFATF (Caribbean Financial Action Task Force), mutual evaluations.’

Rolle said he is hoping that the research conference, which is co-sponsored by the IDB, continues to stimulate policy discussions that drive improvements in the formulation and implementation of international standards; particularly, where the risk-based ideals are concerned, and where proportionality and tailoring becomes more prominent in how smaller jurisdictions are able to demonstrate effectiveness.

He said he is hoping that delegates to the conference, which ends later on Friday ‘will seize the opportunity to engage, network and forge meaningful connections with academics, compliance professionals, regulators, and industry experts.

‘ It is also my hope that the relationships formed during this conference continue to inspire collaboration and innovation in our fight against financial crime.’

New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner, Manuel Castro, has condemned President Donald Trump’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals living in the United States.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has posted a notice on the Federal Register terminating TPS for Haiti, effective February 3, 2026.

‘The Trump administration’s decision to terminate Haitian Temporary Protected Status protections puts tens of thousands of New York families at risk of separation and economic hardship,’ said Castro. ‘TPS is a vital humanitarian protection that allows Haitian immigrants to live and work legally while conditions in Haiti remain unsafe. We call on federal leaders to redesignate TPS for Haiti and provide clear, timely guidance so families can plan for their futures without fear,’ he said, adding ‘TPS brings stability not only to Haitian families, but to New York’s economy and cultural life’.

Castro said Haitian TPS holders contribute more than US$3.4 billion to the US economy.

‘When we defend these protections, we strengthen our city and our country,’ he said, stating that ‘New York City is home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the world.

‘Haitian New Yorkers are our neighbors, small business owners, caregivers, essential workers, and faith leaders who power the economic and cultural heartbeat of our City and State every day.’

Castro said that he, the Mayor and the City of New York ‘will always stand by and support Haitian New Yorkers.’

The San Diego, California-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) also strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision to terminate TPS for Haitians.

‘This decision is deeply troubling because, despite the termination, numerous credible assessments continue to confirm that Haiti remains dangerously unstable,’ HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

‘For instance, ongoing reports from human rights organizations and US-based observers highlight pervasive gang violence, widespread displacement, political turmoil, and the collapse of essential state institutions.

‘Additionally, Haiti’s longstanding vulnerabilities-exacerbated by the 2010 earthquake, which killed more than two thousand people and subsequent crises-continue to threaten the lives and safety of ordinary Haitians.’

Jozef said more than 90 per cent of Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, is controlled by gangs and to tackle the severe insecurity crisis, the United States, through the United Nations, has funded that Multinational Security Support (MSS), led by Kenya, and most recently transformed it to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

Jozef said that the United Nations Office of Migration announced more than 1.4 million people in Haiti have been displaced due to insecurity and gang violence.

Moreover, she said terminating TPS now places more than 500,000 Haitian nationals-many of whom have lived in the United States for over a decade-in immediate jeopardy of losing lawful status, ‘despite their critical contributions to local economies across healthcare, construction, caregiving, and service industries.

‘Let us be clear: ending TPS for Haiti is not a policy decision – it is an act of violence against immigrant families and their children who have called the US home for over a decade,’ Jozef said.

‘When the US government knowingly chooses to send people back to a nation that they themselves have put on a category 4 do not travel due to the continued political crisis, that is state-sponsored cruelty on the eve of Thanksgiving,’ she added.

Jozef said the Trump administration’s decision will also impact millions of Haitians back in Haiti who depend on remittances sent by relatives.

‘We reject the idea that our communities must constantly justify their right to live, to work, to be safe. TPS is the bare minimum of protection, and even that is being stripped away. This is why we organize, resist, and demand a world where migration is not weaponized against the most vulnerable.’

Therefore, Jozef urged Trump to reverse the decision to terminate TPS for Haiti.

Jamaica Women defeated Windward Islands Women by 10 wickets in the fifth-place playoff here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Friday.

Scores

WINDWARD ISLANDS WOMEN 62-9 in 20 overs (Zaida James 24; Vanessa Watts 3-5, Stafanie Taylor 2-13).

JAMAICA WOMEN 65-0 in 3.4 overs (Chedean Nation 23 not out, Rashada Williams 21 not out).

The human rights record of Saint Kitts and Nevis will be examined by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time on Tuesday bezt week at a meeting here.

The Saint Kitts and Nevis delegation will be led by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Garth Wilkin, with the three country representatives serving as rapporteurs for the review are Bolivia, Ghana and Iceland.

The twin-island Federation is one of 13 countries scheduled to be reviewed by the UPR Working Group during its upcoming session that ends on January 30.

The fist, second and third UPR reviews of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) island took place in January 2011, November 2015, and January 2021.

The UPR Working Group is comprised of the 47 member states of the Human Rights Council. However, any UN member or Observer State can participate in a country review.

The documents on which the reviews are based are national report – information provided by the State under review; information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the special procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities; information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups.

The UPR is a peer review of the human rights records of all 193 UN member states. Since its first meeting was held in April 2008, all 193 UN member states have been reviewed three times.

During the fourth UPR cycle, states are again expected to spell out steps they have taken to implement recommendations posed during their previous reviews which they committed to follow up on and highlight recent human rights developments in the country.

The UPR Working Group is scheduled to adopt the recommendations made to Saint Kitts and Nevis on Friday, January 30, this yar.