Category: CANA News

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.

Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, has hailed Jamaica’s remarkable progress in maritime education, port development and sustainable shipping as a global model for maritime excellence.

Speaking at a Think Tank hosted by the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) on Thursday, Dominguez said he was impressed by the country’s strategic vision and commitment to expanding its maritime sector.

The Secretary-General visited the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), the nation’s major port facilities and key maritime stakeholders.

He highlighted that he was encouraged by what he observed.

‘I had a great experience visiting the Caribbean Maritime University, particularly because I saw the evolution of a training institution that started by educating seafarers in deck and engine operations,’ he said.

‘It has evolved into a regional, high-class model of a training centre with a much wider range of programmes for young people entering the maritime sector. Beyond engineering, the University now offers studies in logistics, trade and emerging technologies such as biotechnology.’

The Secretary-General argued that much more research input is needed in this area, ‘particularly from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries, to support the regulatory work of the IMO.

The Secretary-General also commended the University’s leadership for its investments in modern learning facilities.

‘I was impressed by the programmes and the proactive and dynamic leadership of the institution. I want to encourage everyone to appreciate the strides that have been made in improving the quality of education and services. The high-technology laboratories I saw are facilities I have not seen in many countries around the world, and students should take full advantage of them,’ he said.

He pointed out that Jamaica’s maritime advancement is being driven by strong collaboration among national institutions.

‘The Maritime University cannot work in isolation, and this is where I see further leadership. Jamaica is effectively expanding its maritime domain through the efforts of the Government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Maritime Authority of Jamaica,’ he noted.

During his visit, the Secretary-General toured Kingston’s container and multi-purpose terminals, where he observed significant investments in expansion, automation and decarbonisation.

‘I had the opportunity to visit the two terminal ports in Kingston and experience first-hand how they are preparing for increased trade, which will continue to support Jamaica’s economy. I was equally impressed by the steps they are taking to decarbonise their operations and automate the services they provide.’

He also pointed to the rapid growth in port activity as evidence of Jamaica’s expanding role in international shipping and noted that Jamaica’s container terminal recorded its busiest year on record in 2025, handling approximately 2.2 million containers, with plans already under way to increase capacity to accommodate more than three million containers annually.

Describing shipping as central to Jamaica’s economy, Dominguez said the country has demonstrated a clear commitment to strengthening the sector.

‘Jamaica’s leadership, from the very top, has demonstrated its commitment to implementing IMO regulations while taking advantage of the opportunities available to strengthen the maritime sector.’

The Secretary-General added that Jamaica continues to learn from others through IMO-supported projects and is on a trajectory to become a global role model in the maritime sector.

The government says it remains committed to supporting the approximately 270 Jamaican students still pursuing studies in Cuba amid the island’s ongoing energy crisis, with Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith assuring that assistance remains available for those facing challenges.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, Johnson Smith said her ministry continues to monitor the welfare of Jamaican students in Cuba, including 40 students enrolled through Cuban scholarships supported by the Jamaican government.

She said one privately funded student has formally notified authorities of his return to Jamaica, while more than 65 students, including five government scholarship recipients, have completed their medical studies for the 2025-2026 academic year.

‘Three others have indicated that they are in the process of continuing their studies elsewhere through academic transfer,’ Johnson Smith said, adding that the figures may not capture all students who have returned home because some privately funded students have not formally informed the government.

The minister said the government maintains communication channels with students to allow them to report their circumstances and seek assistance if needed.

Johnson Smith said students who wish to return to Jamaica are being offered support, including one-way travel assistance where affordability is a barrier.

‘Our concern remains for their safety, well-being, and academic continuity,’ she said, noting that prolonged electricity outages and limited public transportation in Cuba have created difficulties for students’ daily lives.

She added that the government is working with the Ministries of Education, Finance and Health, as well as medical institutions, to explore options for students who may wish to return and continue their studies in Jamaica.

The situation has been complicated by Cuba’s worsening energy crisis, which has resulted in frequent and extended power outages affecting education, transportation, food supplies and access to medical services.

Earlier this year, Johnson Smith said some Jamaican students reported that universities had temporarily suspended classes, while others shifted to online learning that was affected by unreliable electricity and internet access.

To strengthen communication with students, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a WhatsApp group linking approximately 320 students with officials in Kingston and the Jamaican Embassy in Havana. The platform also helped identify privately funded students who had not previously been registered with authorities.

Meanwhile, Johnson Smith said Jamaica has reaffirmed its support for the Cuban people through a US$100,000 humanitarian contribution made through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

She said Jamaica continues to support a coordinated regional response to Cuba’s humanitarian challenges while encouraging dialogue between Cuba and the United States.

‘Civilian needs must remain the highest priority,’ Johnson Smith said, adding that CARICOM continues to advocate for constructive engagement as the most effective way to ease hardship among the Cuban population.

The minister also provided an update on Cuban medical professionals working in Jamaica following the conclusion of the long-standing health technical cooperation arrangement in March 2026.

She said some Cuban doctors who had previously left Jamaica have since returned and are working under individual contracts with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, while others who remained in Jamaica continue to provide services under similar arrangements.

Johnson Smith said Jamaica continues to recognize the significant contribution Cuban medical professionals have made to the country’s healthcare system over many years.

Daniel Ortega has now said openly what his regime has demonstrated for years: the people of Nicaragua are not to be permitted to remove their rulers through elections.

During celebrations marking the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution, Ortega declared that there would be ‘no more elections’ through which opposition parties could attempt to take power. He also promised a legislative ‘wall’ against persons his government labels coup plotters and traitors.

The irony is stark. A revolution that overthrew the Somoza family dictatorship has produced another dynastic system, led by Ortega and his wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo.

I responded immediately on X, tweeting: ‘I unequivocally condemn Ortega’s outrageous announcement that Nicaragua will end elections. This is an assault on democracy and human rights. All responsible governments should condemn this unacceptable act. The people of Nicaragua have suffered long enough.’

However, Ortega’s declaration changed the official rhetoric more than the reality. Elections had already become a gimmick preserving the appearance, but not the substance, of popular choice. Before the 2021 election, opposition parties were outlawed and prospective presidential candidates arrested. Media and civil society organisations were closed or forced into exile. The latest declaration removes the remaining pretence of electoral competition.

Several member states of the Organization of American States (OAS) have condemned Ortega’s announcement. Secretary General Albert Ramdin has rightly described the elimination of elections as a denial of the Nicaraguan people’s sovereign right to choose their government. Neither the Secretary General nor individual governments can, by themselves, express the collective position of the OAS. And, while a month ago, the OAS General Assembly issued a declaration on the deterioration in Nicaragua, the OAS has not responded collectively to Ortega’s subsequent edict.

The delegations of Canada and Chile sought to remedy this silence by preparing a statement for member states. As Dean of the OAS Corps of Ambassadors, I contributed language to that statement, firmly condemning Ortega’s actions and calling for genuine multi-party elections.

At the time of writing, that text has not been considered by the Permanent Council, and the United States has since proposed a separate resolution that is also awaiting consideration. The central issue now before the OAS is how Ortega’s actions should be characterised.

What is happening in Nicaragua is a crisis of representative democracy, human rights and the rule of law. The Ortega-Murillo government continues to deprive Nicaraguans of their rights, deepen instability and fear, and drive people to escape repression through irregular migration, creating pressures for receiving states.

But this does not transform an internal human rights crisis into a threat to hemispheric peace and security. Nicaraguans fleeing persecution are victims, not security threats to the countries in which they seek safety.

This distinction also matters legally.

Nicaragua withdrew from the OAS in November 2023. I was President of the Permanent Council when the withdrawal took effect. We made clear that the withdrawal did not erase the international human rights obligations applicable to Nicaragua, including those arising from the American Convention on Human Rights.

The government chose withdrawal after a majority of member states resisted its violations of democracy and the rule of law and while suspension under the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter remained possible. Those suspension provisions apply only to member states and therefore no longer provide a course of action.

This does not mean that the OAS must remain silent or inactive. It means that the organisation must distinguish between political and human rights measures within its competence and any coercive measures which would require a different legal basis that is outside its authority.

Within the inter-American system, binding collective sanctions would have to be pursued, if at all, by states parties to the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, or the Rio Treaty. This separate procedure is available only to parties to that Treaty and requires a credible determination that the peace of the Americas is endangered. Not all OAS members are parties, and Nicaragua is no longer one.

More importantly, Ortega’s oppression of the Nicaraguan people, while reprehensible, does not constitute an armed attack upon another state or justify claiming that Nicaragua presently threatens hemispheric peace and security. The law cannot be stretched merely because the political conduct being condemned is offensive. Doing so would weaken the rules-based order that defenders of democracy seek to uphold.

There are, nevertheless, meaningful actions that the OAS can and should take.

The Permanent Council can adopt a clear resolution condemning the elimination of meaningful electoral competition and rejecting the exclusion of candidates or organisations solely because they peacefully oppose the government. It can demand the release of political prisoners, the restoration of civil and political rights, and the reopening of space for independent media and civil society.

It can keep Nicaragua under sustained consideration pursuant to the June General Assembly declaration. It can receive regular briefings from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and support the Commission’s monitoring, hearings and precautionary measures.

The OAS can call upon Nicaragua to comply with decisions and provisional measures of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Secretary General can offer good offices, even if the government refuses to engage. Member states can also support civil society in exile, cooperate with United Nations mechanisms to preserve evidence, and protect those forced to flee.

Individual governments may consider their own lawful diplomatic measures. But these should be identified honestly as national decisions, not represented as collective OAS action unless authorised by the organisation’s competent organs.

The message to Ortega and Murillo must therefore be unmistakable. Nicaragua’s withdrawal from the OAS has not placed their regime beyond scrutiny or accountability. The OAS must maintain constant vigilance, document continuing abuses through its human rights institutions, and keep Nicaragua under sustained consideration by its political organs. It must insist that those responsible for violations are held accountable under applicable international law.

Ortega may have abandoned the ballot because he fears the verdict of his own people, but the Inter-American community must neither normalise his conduct nor allow it to disappear from hemispheric attention. Its response should be united, persistent and unambiguous, while remaining firmly grounded in the rule of law.

The Bahamas Power and Light company, (BPL) says an electrical fire at the Blue Hills Power Station caused an island-wide blackout across New Providence early Thursday after a suspected underground cable fault triggered the explosion of a transformer.

In its initial update, BPL said the fire at the power station resulted in a complete loss of electricity across the island.

The utility later reported that preliminary investigations indicate a suspected fault in an underground cable caused a 15-megavolt-ampere (15 MVA) transformer to explode, leading to the widespread outage.

BPL said the fire was quickly brought under control and repair crews were immediately deployed to begin restoration efforts. Initially, the company said it could not provide an estimated timeline for the return of service.

By 6:00 a.m. (local time) BPL announced that electricity was being restored in phases to protect the stability and integrity of the power grid.

The utility said restoration crews would remain on the ground working to return service to the remaining customers as safely and quickly as possible.

In a decisive move following an emergency meeting on Thursday, Concacaf, the football confederation representing North, Central America, and the Caribbean, has formally rejected FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell a minority stake in the World Cup and other flagship tournaments to private investors.

The unanimous rejection by all 41 Concacaf member associations comes just days after FIFA announced its intention to create a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), and sell up to 21% of it for a target of $4.2 billion.

The move, which would inject immediate cash into member associations, has sparked fierce backlash over governance and transparency.

Sources close to Thursday’s summit revealed that the discussions went far beyond financial concerns.

One insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the ‘vast majority’ of Concacaf members expressed a profound erosion of trust in FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with some stating they have ‘lost confidence altogether’ in his leadership.

A second source acknowledged that while that description may be slightly strong, there was unanimous unease over the current direction of FIFA’s executive approach.

The confederation’s public statement echoed those private sentiments, citing deep procedural flaws.

‘The membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies,’ the statement read.

It also questioned the necessity of private equity funding, noting the irony following ‘the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history.’

Concacaf’s rejection aligns with a growing coalition of dissent. Earlier this week, UEFA, European football’s governing body, threatened a boycott of all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, unless the plans were scrapped.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also voiced disappointment over the lack of proper consultation. Meanwhile, the African confederation has taken a more measured stance, encouraging its members to examine the proposal while acknowledging its involvement in consulting processes.

In response to the outcry, Infantino attempted to downplay the proposal in a recent interview, insisting it was ‘not an obligation’ and reiterating that any implementation would require a majority vote from FIFA’s 211 member associations and the FIFA Council.

However, Concacaf is not waiting for assurances. The confederation has formally tasked its FIFA Council members with two clear mandates: first, to engage FIFA on utilising existing reserves to boost FIFA Forward development funding for the region; and second, to instruct the President to adhere strictly to proper governance processes via staff and the FIFA Council, in line with FIFA’s own statutes.

The rejection carries additional weight given Concacaf’s prominent role as a host. Its member associations recently staged the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 men’s World Cup, while the U.S., Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica are set to co-host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz produced a stunning late comeback to salvage a 2-2 draw against Panama in Wednesday’s Concacaf U-20 Championship Group C clash at Estadio Universitario BUAP, keeping their hopes of topping the group very much alive.

Panama looked to be cruising to victory after a rampant start. Moisés Richards broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, firing a left-footed strike from the edge of the box.

The Canaleros doubled their advantage just nine minutes later, in the 22nd, courtesy of a beautifully crafted team move finished off by Gerson Gordón.

Jamaica, however, refused to fold. The Reggae Boyz clawed their way back into the contest in the 62nd minute when Jahmarie Nolan reduced the deficit.

Then, with virtually the last kick of the game in the 90th+6 minute, Jaquan Brown rose highest inside the box to power home a header from a set piece, sparking wild celebrations on the Jamaican bench.

In the other Group C fixture, Canada and Honduras played out a 1-1 draw. After a goalless first half, Lucas Lima blasted Canada into the lead from outside the box in the 57th minute. Still, Honduras responded swiftly through Richard Martínez, who chipped into the left side netting in the 64th to level the scores.

The results leave Canada and Jamaica locked on four points apiece, with Canada leading the group on goal difference. Panama and Honduras sit with one point each.

The group stage concludes on Saturday, with Jamaica facing Canada in a crunch winner-takes-all encounter, while Panama takes on Honduras.

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.

The surcharge, which returned in June after being suspended for nearly four years, follows sharp increases in fuel costs triggered by the U.S.-Iran conflict and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) said it had absorbed approximately EC$28.9 million in fuel costs over the past four years to shield consumers from higher electricity bills. However, officials said continued global instability made it financially impossible for the Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC) to maintain the subsidy.

Residential customers are now paying a subsidised fuel surcharge of EC$0.69 per kilowatt-hour, below the calculated rate of EC$0.79 per kilowatt-hour, as the government seeks to cushion the impact on households.

Brantley also apologised for an administrative error that resulted in the surcharge appearing on customers’ electricity bills before the public was formally notified.

He stressed that electricity costs remain closely tied to unpredictable developments in the global energy market.

‘NEVLEC and the bills, I can only continue to apologise and to say to our people that we must try our very best to conserve, conserve, conserve,’ Brantley said, noting that renewed tensions involving the United States and Iran continue to create uncertainty over global fuel prices.

He encouraged customers experiencing financial difficulties to communicate with NEVLEC rather than avoid payments.

‘NEVLEC’s position has always been that if you cannot pay in whole, come in and talk to them. NEVLEC is not cutting you off because you only pay some. What NEVLEC is asking is that you have a conversation with them,’ he said.

Brantley acknowledged that the government is also working to meet its financial obligations to the utility, adding that all stakeholders must work together to navigate the current challenges.

While international oil prices have eased somewhat amid diplomatic efforts, officials cautioned that electricity bills will not decline immediately because current fuel inventories were purchased when prices were at their highest.

To reduce the island’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, the government continues to advance its geothermal energy project at Hamilton, which is expected to place Nevis on a path toward 100 per cent renewable energy generation.

In the meantime, NEVLEC is encouraging consumers to reduce electricity use by unplugging electronic devices and chargers when not in use, running full loads of laundry, ironing clothes in batches, and replacing conventional light bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting.