Category: CANA News

The leader of the minority opposition, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza Walton-Desir, is threatening to boycott next Monday’s 2026 national budget presentation to Parliament if an opposition leader is not selected by that time.

Speaker Manzoor Nadir has so far not called the constitutionally required meeting of opposition legislators to elect the opposition leader amid speculation that he has been instructed by the Irfaan Ali government not to do so because the front runner for the position, Azruddin Mohamed, the leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) is facing extradition to the United States on fraud and other related charges. President Ali has denied the accusation and Attorney General Anil Nandlall is on record as saying that electing Mohamed as opposition leader would tarnish the country’s image.

WIN is the party with the second highest number of seats in the Parliament with 16, surpassing the coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) that had commanded the position in the last parliament.

In a statement issued here, Walton-Desir said ‘we will not sit there and pretend that it is business as usual.

‘So let me be clear: Forward Guyana Movement will not be sitting to listen to Ashni go on for hours while the government refuses to facilitate the election of the Leader of the Opposition. We will not lend legitimacy to nonsense,’ she added.

The opposition legislator also questioned how the budget for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition was crafted as it is funded by the State through a subvention from Parliament.

‘So, who has been engaged to determine that figure? What figure did they budget for the operation of the Office of the Leader of the Opposition when they have deliberately refused to allow one to be elected?’

The 65-seat National Assembly met on November 3, 2025 for the first and only time following the September 1 general and regional elections that saw the return of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to office.

BOBSLEIGH-JAMAICA-From Welsh Ice to Jamaican dream: Mica Moore’s remarkable Olympic returnMoore is no stranger to the pinnacle of her sport. At the 2018 PyeongChang Games, she and pilot Mica McNeill secured Britain’s best-ever women’s bobsleigh result with an eighth-place finish. Now, she is set to create history of a different kind.

Having received Jamaican citizenship in December 2024, Moore will honour her family roots at the ultimate sporting festival.

Her grandfather, Venson Byfield, was part of the Windrush generation who settled in Wales.

‘I can’t believe it,’ Moore declared in an emotional social media post. ‘Four years ago, I watched from the sidelines, but four years later, I’ve booked my seat at the party. This is the greatest honour of my career to represent my heritage of Jamaica at the Olympics, a moment I have only dreamt of!’

Her path to these Games has been fraught with challenge. A talented track sprinter who represented Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Moore transitioned to bobsleigh and reached its peak before stepping away from the British programme in 2022.

At the time, she cited ‘damaging and offensive behaviour’ within the system. After a three-year break, the call of the ice and her Jamaican heritage proved irresistible.

She made her competitive return for Jamaica in January 2025 at a European Cup event in Lillehammer, reigniting her Olympic dream.

‘The journey was never going to be easy. This is the biggest message to myself to never ever give up. To keep going even when hurting and when others try to halt you.’

Moore’s qualification adds another thrilling chapter to Jamaica’s iconic bobsleigh legacy, immortalised by the film Cool Runnings.

The Jamaican team will be a strong presence in Milan-Cortina, having also qualified crews for the four-man and two-man events.

The XXV Winter Olympic Games run from 6th to 22nd February in northern Italy.

Muhammad Ibrahim assumed office as the new Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), in a ceremony witnessed by ministers and senior officials of more than thirty countries. The Guyanese agronomist pledged to work for all regions of the Americas, striving to build more competitive and efficient science-based agrifood systems.

Mary Munive Angermller, Vice-President of Costa Rica; Arnoldo Tinoco and Alejandro Solano, Minister and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, the country where IICA Headquarters is located; Zulfikar Mustapha, Minister of Agriculture of Guyana; and Cleber Soares, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil, were seated on the main platform during the ceremony in which outgoing Director General, Manuel Otero, handed over the reins of the institution to his successor.

Also present at the inauguration ceremony were officials from the United States-representing the State Department and the Secretariat of Agriculture-and from Argentina. Ibrahim boasts extensive experience in agricultural development, international cooperation and public policy and has occupied various leadership positions in academic institutions and international organizations, establishing himself as an authority in issues related to sustainable agriculture and rural development.

On the other hand, IICA, which has a presence in thirty-four countries of the Americas, plays a fundamental role in providing support to governments to design and implement public policies to boost agricultural productivity and resilience.

Cleber Soares-who was representing Minister of Agriculture of Brazil and current Chair of IICA’s highest governing body, the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), Carlos Fávaro-was tasked with swearing in Ibrahim as the new Director General.

‘I accept this tremendous responsibility with gratitude, humility and a profound sense of purpose’, said the Guyanese agronomist. ‘I am going to be a Director General for all the Americas, recognizing that we need differentiated strategies for each region of the hemisphere’.

‘I promise to raise the bar of excellence of the Institute even more, to strengthen joint work with the countries and to close the gaps to ensure more sustainable agrifood systems. I will foster an environment in which collaboration, partnerships and technical capacities can flourish, guided by transparency, financial prudence and accountability’, he added.

He also acknowledged the work of his predecessor Manuel Otero, whose tenure had positioned IICA as a benchmark institution in providing technical support for agricultural and rural development in the countries.

The outgoing Director General, in turn, stated, ‘I had the honor of leading an institution with history, prestige and a future, that plays a critical role in transforming our countries’. He also underscored the priority given to farmers and their quality of life in the Institute’s work.

In attendance at the ceremony of inauguration were Víctor Carvajal, Rodwell Ferguson and Ignacia Fernández, ministers of Agriculture of Costa Rica, Belize and Chile, respectively; and Silvia Massruhá, President of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), among other high-level officials. Former IICA Directors General Víctor Villalobos of Mexico, Chelston Brathwaite of Barbados and Martín Piñeiro of Argentina also participated in person.

A message on behalf of the U.S. government noted that, ‘IICA delivers tangible results in the hemisphere, strengthening the agrifood systems that support farmers and ranchers, thereby facilitating international trade and enhancing the sovereignty and resilience of its Member States.

During Dr. Otero’s eight-year tenure, relationships and partnerships were strengthened for the benefit of the Western Hemisphere, agriculture was positioned as a strategic sector, and cooperation in the Americas was enhanced based on science and trust’.

‘The challenges facing agriculture today and in the future require a renewed approach. Agriculture will need to be viewed as a priority for national security, in order to enhance resilient exports and empower consumers. We look forward to working with Dr. Ibrahim in the Member States to ensure that agriculture remains a pillar for security, prosperity and opportunities. We have the land, the people and the expertise, and when we put farmers first, we win’, he added.

Agustín Tejeda, Deputy Secretary of Agrifood Markets at the Secretariat of Agriculture of Argentina, highlighted Ibrahim’s ‘professional and technical experience and profound knowledge of the region, which provide a solid foundation for leading IICA during a key phase in which production and international trade must be strengthened’.

‘At present, agriculture in our region faces the great challenge of improving productivity, advancing toward a more efficient use of inputs and resources, incorporating innovation, and fully capitalizing on the opportunities afforded by international markets. Within this context, IICA plays a fundamental role as a technical cooperation agency, assisting countries in designing and implementing science- and evidence-based public policies aimed at reducing costs, eliminating distortions and improving competitiveness’, he added.

Senior officials from all countries in the Western Hemisphere watched the ceremony online.

Speaking from Georgetown, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, delivered remarks via a video message in which he referred to IICA’s ‘critical role’ in generating agricultural value added and supporting development. He also congratulated his fellow countryman Ibrahim on the responsibility he was assuming.

‘Agriculture is the backbone of rural prosperity. It stabilizes our economy, which is why IICA plays such a vital role. I congratulate Muhammad Ibrahim and recognize IICA’s importance as a pillar for development and for strengthening partnerships to achieve a competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture sector’, remarked the president.

Minister Mustapha, who is also Chair of the Ministerial Task Force on Agriculture of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), congratulated Ibrahim on becoming ‘the first Guyanese to lead this prestigious institution’ and highlighted the fact that ‘his career, both in our homeland and on this global stage, is a testament to the tremendous potential that exists in our region’.

The Minister commended Manuel Otero on his tenure and stated that the new IICA Director General’s ‘proven capacity to integrate science, policies and practical actions represents the type of leadership needed to address the complex agricultural and food security scenario’.

About IICA

IICA is the specialized agency for agriculture in the Inter-American system, with a mission to encourage, promote and support its 34 Member States in their efforts to achieve agricultural development and rural well-being through international technical cooperation of excellence.

The Bermuda government has used the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting to announced its plans to transform the British Overseas Territory into the world’s first fully onchain national economy with support from Circle and Coinbase companies

Circle and Coinbase say they intend to provide their digital asset infrastructure and enterprise tools to the Bermuda government, local banks, insurers, small and medium-sized businesses, and consumers. The companies also plan to support nationwide digital finance education and technical onboarding. A Bermuda government statement said that an onchain economy means using digital assets as an everyday financial infrastructure.

It said, for a country like Bermuda, a highly entrepreneurial economy with thousands of local businesses, traditional payment rails are expensive and restrictive. Being classified alongside Caribbean and other island jurisdictions, onshore payment processors, and local fiat banking rails drive up fees and squeeze already-thin merchant margins. Digital finance provides an opportunity for a new model.

With USDC, a cryptocurrency stablecoin which is issued by Circle and pegged to the United States dollar distinct from a central bank digital currency, merchants can accept fast, low-cost, dollar-denominated payments.

‘There are now multiple live examples in the Bermudian market, demonstrating how onchain digital payments allow individuals to transact locally, support economic activity, and meet compliance obligations in a modern, efficient way.’

The Bermuda government statement said that the announcement builds on Bermuda’s leadership in digital asset regulation.

In 2018, Bermuda became one of the first jurisdictions to introduce a comprehensive digital asset framework through the Digital Asset Business Act. Circle and Coinbase were among the first global firms licensed under the regime and have expanded alongside the island’s growing digital finance ecosystem.

The statement said that the continued partnership follows a major milestone at the Bermuda Digital Finance Forum 2025, where the three partners executed an airdrop of USDC, distributing 100 USDC to every attendee for use with newly onboarded local merchants.

‘Since then, additional Bermudian businesses have begun accepting digital payments and local financial institutions have expanded their use of stablecoins and tokenized finance.’

The Bermuda Digital Finance Forum 2026, taking place May 11-14, will expand these efforts through broader business participation, greater consumer stimulus, and deeper engagement across the financial services sector.

Premier David Burt said that Bermuda’s approach is anchored in what he describes as a collaborative model between government, regulator, and industry designed to enable responsible innovation at scale.

‘Bermuda has always believed that responsible innovation is best achieved through partnership between government, regulators, and industry,’ said Premier Burt.

‘With the support of Circle and Coinbase, two of the world’s most trusted digital finance companies, we are accelerating our vision to enable digital finance at the national level. This initiative is about creating opportunity, lowering costs, and ensuring Bermudians benefit from the future of finance.’

The transition to an onchain economy is expected, over time, to deliver tangible benefits for residents and businesses. Benefits include lower transaction costs and providing greater access to global finance through modern digital wallets, and infrastructure that keeps economic value circulating locally.

‘Bermuda has been a global pioneer in digital asset regulation and continues to demonstrate what responsible blockchain innovation looks like at a national scale,’ said Circle Co-Founder, Chairman, and chief executive officer, Jeremy Allaire.

‘We are proud to deepen our engagement as Bermuda empowers people and businesses with USDC and onchain infrastructure.’

Coinbase chief executive officer, Brian Armstrong, said his company has long believed that open financial systems can drive economic freedom.

‘Bermuda’s leadership shows what is possible when clear rules are paired with strong public-private collaboration. We are excited to support Bermuda’s transition toward an onchain economy that empowers local businesses, consumers, and institutions.’

The government statement said that the government agencies will begin piloting stablecoin-based payments, financial institutions integrating tokenization tools, and residents participating in nationwide digital literacy programs, laying the foundation for a more inclusive, competitive, and resilient national economy.

Police are investigating the death of a male tourist after he reported fell on a ferry operating between Kingstown and the Grenadines.

Police said that the visitor, identified as David John Hyde, 73 was pronounced dead by a district medical officer on Sunday.

‘Preliminary information suggests that the deceased may have sustained injuries consistent with a fall. However, a post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,’ the police said in a statement.

It gave no other details about the visitor and the police are asking anyone with information that can assist in the investigation to contact them.

‘All information received would be treated confidentially,’ the statement said.

Jamaica Women defeated Windward Islands Women by seven wickets in the 12th match of the T20 Blaze here at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Monday.

Scores

WINDWARDS WOMEN 99-7 in 20 overs (Jannillea Glasgow 47 not out, Earnisha Fontaine 21, Ashlene Edward 11; Celina Whyte 1-7)

JAMAICA WOMEN 100-3 in 16.5 overs (Stafanie Taylor 28 not out, Abigail Bryce 23, Rashada Williams 21; Abini St. Jean 2-15).

Caribbean-American legislators have strongly condemned the Trump administration’s sudden freeze of visas for 75 nations, including many in the Caribbean, effective January 31, disrupting legal immigration pathways.

‘Long before he retook office, we knew Donald Trump’s war against immigrants would never be limited to his sadistic obsession with certain undocumented people. Secretary Rubio’s recent announcement that immigrant visas for 75 countries, most of which are majority populated by persons of colour, is just another chapter in the Trump administration’s long crusade of xenophobic cruelty against the most vulnerable people in the world,’ Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC). ‘Time and time again, this White House tries to masquerade its prejudices as policy and pretend that its actions are in the legitimate interests of Americans’ needs – as if an administration that slashes public benefit assistance at every opportunity truly cares about the hunger and economic stability of the American people,’ added the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

‘I, like Secretary Rubio, am a child of immigrants,’ continued Clarke. Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants, who migrated to Miami.

‘Who I am is inseparable from who I come from. No matter how desperately Mr. Rubio rejects his identity, the same will always be true for him. With this bigoted action, he has not only betrayed all those from around our world who believed in the American dream, he has betrayed his very heritage as a Cuban-American.

‘I suggest that Marco Rubio take a look in the mirror. If his parents were treated the way immigrants are being treated under his leadership, he would never have had the opportunity to be referred to as Secretary Rubio.

‘I demand Secretary Rubio to reverse this racist policy immediately. He should promptly apologize for the pain, confusion, and heartbreak that he has already inflicted on families and their communities all across these United States.’

New York State Assemblymember, Brian Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, said the Trump administration’s decision to suspend immigrant visa processing for the 75 countries not only disrupts lawful immigration pathways but also ‘creates harm, and instills fear in families, employers, and communities across New York.

‘Let’s not forget that Brooklyn’s diversity is what makes us stronger,’ Cunningham told CMC. ‘I am standing in steadfast defense with Brooklyn’s diverse elected officials at every level of government – from our legislative leaders in Albany, to our Attorney General, to trailblazing elected officials across our borough.’

He said family reunification has been central to the US immigration system, providing predictability for families planning their lives and for employers relying on a stable workforce.

Cunningham said he was speaking ‘from personal experience here, as the son of Jamaican immigrants, who was fortunate enough to have a stable home life, which I largely attribute to the success I’m blessed with today.

‘Across the state, entire communities, such as the ‘Little Caribbean’ area I represent in the State Assembly, have been built through these lawful processes, all of which were suddenly cut off,’ he said.

‘Suspending visa processing without a clear or functional alternative doesn’t just disrupt stability, it destroys families and harms everyone.’

Cunningham’s Assembly colleague, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, also told CMC: ‘As a daughter of Haitian immigrants representing one of the largest Caribbean communities in the US, the Trump administration’s suspension of visa processing really hits home.

‘The select 75 countries on the suspension list is not arbitrary, it is outright discriminatory,’ said the chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

‘I am deeply concerned that the consequences of this action may trigger separation of many families in Brooklyn-home to some of the largest populations of immigrants,’ Bichotte Hermelyn added.

The Trump administration announced on January 14 that it will be freezing indefinitely all visa processing for 75 countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Notably absent from the list are Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname and the Dominican Republic, which, reportedly, have been cooperating with Washington in its military strikes in the region.

The leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, Tuesday failed in his attempt to meet with the Speaker of Parliament, Manzoor Nadir, as the uncertainty continues over the election of an opposition leader.

The leader of the minority opposition, Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza Walton-Desir, has threatened to boycott next Monday’s 2026 national budget presentation to Parliament if an opposition leader is not selected by that time.

Nadir has so far not called the constitutionally required meeting of opposition legislators to elect the opposition leader amid speculation that he has been instructed by the Irfaan Ali government not to do so because Mohamed, the front runner for the position is facing extradition to the United States on fraud and other related charges.

President Ali has denied the accusation and Attorney General Anil Nandlall is on record as saying that electi

President of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Winston Anderson, is leading a four-member delegation to Suriname at the invitation of the President of the Court of Justice of Suriname, Justice Iwan Rasoelbaks.

A CCJ statement Tuesday said that the visit, which ends on Saturday forms an integral part of the Court’s ongoing strategic initiative to engage national judiciaries and members of government as a me’This visit aligns with the strategic priorities of Access to Justice and Regional Impact, with a focus on expanding access and strengthening regional legal collaboration, as well as Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, and Public Trust, aimed at enhancing transparency, building trust, and deepening regional relationships, the CCJ added.

It said that during the visit, Justice Anderson and the delegation which includes Justice Peter Jamadar, are expected to meet with members of the Surinamese judiciary, bar association, parliamentarians, and other key stakeholders, including the media on the modernisation of the judiciary.

It said that their presentations will, among other things, outline the CCJ’s framework, operability, effectiveness, and overall institutional architecture.

In November last year, the CCJ concluded the Court’s Referral Training with the Bar Association of Suriname, marking the conclusion of a two-year public education campaign executed with financial support from the European Union’s 11th European Development Fund (EDF).

The project focused on enhancing awareness among members of the judicial, legal and business communities regarding the duty of national courts to refer questions concerning the interpretation and application of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to the CCJ for determination in its Original Jurisdiction.

‘The CCJ looks forward to constructive dialogue with its Surinamese counterparts and to contributing to a deeper understanding of the Court’s role in supporting judicial excellence, regional integration, and the rule of law within the Caribbean.’

Outgoing Indian Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Dr. Amit Telang has renewed an invitation to Prime Minister Gaston Browne to visit the Asian country he has described as ‘an inspiration to us a Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

‘India’s economy has grown exponentially and as India continues to grow we want to make sure that we are well-positioned to exploit the opportunities that may arise; even to increase direct trade between the two countries,’ Prime Minister Browne told the diplomat, who is ending his tour of duty to Antigua and Barbuda and the Eastern Caribbean. Browne, who made reference to the unstable nature of the international order, noted the increasing challenges with the global uncertainties.

He said St. John’s must consider strengthening relations with India as they both seek to diversify their economies.

‘As the saying goes ‘when one door shuts.you have to seek opportunities through other doors’. I see the relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and India becoming stronger in the months and years ahead,’ Browne said.

He urged the diplomat, who is returning to take up a new posting in India, to become an advocate for Antigua and Barbuda when he returns to his homeland.

Telang described his posting to the Caribbean as ‘very fruitful’ noting that he had been able to accomplish much in the two years than when he was based at his Guyana with responsibility for the Eastern Caribbean as well.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister E.P Chet Greene says SIDS such as Antigua and Barbuda should be allowed to have a seat at the table of global conversations and not be left out of these discussions that invariably have an impact on their well-being.

Greene made reference to Antigua and Barbuda’s decision to host the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November as an undertaking that carries with it a huge financial costs, one which the country cannot bear without assistance from friends such as India.

He said despite the cost, Antigua and Barbuda’s wants to demonstrate that small countries must play a key and meaningful role in the global conversation.

‘I think it is more important now as we witness the death blows struck against multilateralism, it is more important now for small states to come to the fore to show that there is value in our smallness; it is our combined numbers that will see us stave off some of the looming challenges before us.

‘It therefore places us in a difficult, yet pivotal position as we seek to reset the global agenda,’ Green said, adding that both Antigua and Barbuda and India are aligned in their understanding of global issues.

‘We have to do more with the global south as we have to show that our countries can work more closely. It is clear and without doubt that the world is going through an inflection and it is our ability to raise to the occasion that will make a difference for us,’ he told the ceremony that was also attended by Sir Vivian Richards, who has been named the country’s Ambassador to CHOGM.