Category: CANA News

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.

West Indies Under-19s reached 234 in 47.5 overs after electing to bat against South Africa Under-19s in the 21st match of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup here at the High Performance Oval on Thursday.

WEST INDIES U19s 234 in 47.5 overs (Zachary Carter 114, Jonathan van Lange 29, Joshua Dorne 20, Shaquan Belle 18, Tanez Francis 14; JJ Basson 5-23, Jason Rowles 2-44).

West Indies Under-19s defeated South Africa Under-19s by 55 runs in the 21st match of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup here at the High Performance Oval on Thursday.

Scores

WEST INDIES U19s 234 in 47.5 overs (Zachary Carter 114, Jonathan van Lange 29, Joshua Dorne 20, Shaquan Belle 18, Tanez Francis 14; JJ Basson 5-23, Jason Rowles 2-44).

SOUTH AFRICA U19s 179 in 37.4 overs (Jason Rowles 46, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka 26, Jorich van Schalkwyk 20, Daniel Bosman 19, Armaan Manack 17, Adnaan Lagadien 10; Shaquan Belle 6-40).

Afghanistan elected to field after winning the toss against West Indies in the third and final T20I here at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

West Indies have made three changes with Keacy Carty, Shamar Springer and Justin Greaves replacing Evin Lewis, Alick Athanaze and Shamar Joseph.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan has also made three changes with Shahidullah, Ziaur Rahman and Abdollah Ahmadzai coming in for Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

WEST INDIES: Brandon King (captain), Johnson Charles, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Shimron Hetmyer, Quentin Sampson, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Springer, Khary Pierre, Ramon Simmonds.

AFGHANISTAN: Rashid Khan (captain), Rahmanullah Gubraz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Shahidullah, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman, Abdollah Ahmadzai.

Umpires: Ahmad Shah Pakteen, Izatullah Safi.

TV Umpire: Akbar Ali.

Reserve Umpire: Muhammad Sabir.

Match Referee: Hamimullah Hamid.

Barbadians are being urged to register to vote ahead of the February 11 general election .

The appeal came from Prime Minister Mia Mottley on Wednesday, as she addressed supporters at her Barbados Labour Party’s picnic and rally on Errol Barrow Day.

‘We have until Monday to ensure that your names are on the list. If you don’t know, pick up your phone and text ebc.gov.bb and put in your ID number in the box, and if you are registered your name will come up,’ she stated.

The Prime Minister instructed those who do not see their names on the list to visit their nearest BLP campaign office or the Electoral and Boundaries Commission to verify their status, ‘Because this is not a time for persons to be lagging, because when you lag you will end up sometimes outside and you have no control over what happens.’

The BLP leader also urged supporters to turn out and cast their votes.

I don’t want to hear that you all going to win and I don’t need to disturb myself or I don’t want to come out. We need your vote, we need your permission. That is what a mandate is,’ Mottley said.

She indicated that she would be campaigning alongside the party’s 29 other candidates across the country over the next 21 days, ‘because it has now started officially.’

Although a general election is not constitutionally due until 2027, Mottley, on the weekend named Febuary 11 as the date for a general election, the second occasion that she has called a snap election within at least one year remaining on her five-year term in office.

In the 2028 and 2022 general election, Mottley led the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to landslide 30-0 victories , defeating the main opposition Democratic Labour Party (DLP)