Category: CANA News

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) Friday mourned the death of prominent journalist, Brian St. Juste, 68, who died ‘after a period of illness marked by medical complications’.

In a statement, PAJ said that the career of the Jamaican-Trinidadian journalist, producer, and son of the late Trinidadian broadcasting pioneer Franklyn St. Juste, spanned more than three decades in film, television, and journalism.

He was also the brother of the late Jamaican radio personality, François St. Juste.

The PAJ said that he last served as the managing director of Timecode Productions Ltd., where he oversaw broadcast coverage of major sporting and cultural events, including the IAAF World Junior Championships (2002), the IFNA World Netball Championships (2003), and the ICC Cricket World Cup Opening Ceremony (2007).

‘He played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s democratic process, producing the televised debates for the Jamaica Debates Commission since 2007. Internationally, he served as a consultant to the National Democratic Institute and the U.S. Commission on Presidential Debates, helping countries across the Caribbean to stage nationally televised debates,’ the PAJ said.

It noted that his contributions were recognized with industry honours, including the Doctor Bird Award for Creative Achievement, underscoring his impact on Jamaica’s film and television sector. He also served as President of the Jamaica Film Producers Association, advocating for stronger film policy and industry development.

‘The Press Association of Jamaica joins the wider media fraternity in extending profound and heartfelt condolences to his widow and loved ones, honouring his legacy and standing with them in this time of grief and loss,’ the PAJ said, adding that funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has launched a new US$500,000 initiative to support women-led businesses in developing innovative clean energy solutions and accelerating the Caribbean’s transition to a sustainable energy future.

The initiative is being undertaken through the CDB’s SheTrades Caribbean Hub with support from the Canada government funded Supporting Resilient Green Energy (SuRGE) programme.

The Facility will provide targeted technical assistance to help women-led businesses in Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname develop and transform innovative clean energy concepts and solutions into commercially viable products and services.

The CDB said that women-led MSMEs continue to face barriers in accessing technology, financing, technical expertise and business networks, particularly within emerging green economy sectors.

It said that the SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility addresses these challenges by creating pathways for women entrepreneurs to participate more fully in the rapidly growing sustainable energy sector.

Through the project, eligible Caribbean women-led businesses, including scientists, researchers or technologists will receive technical assistance and financial support over the three-year period from 2026-2028 to increase the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices.

Areas of focus include developing and commercialising clean energy innovations, building technical and business management skills, accessing financing opportunities, and integrating into regional and global clean energy value chains.

‘The transition to sustainable energy presents significant opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth,’ said Dr. Isaac Solomon, Vice-President, Operations, at the Caribbean Development Bank.

‘The SheTrades Caribbean Tech It Up Facility is designed to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialisation by providing women entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, financing and technical support needed to transform promising ideas into market-ready solutions.’

Under the project, the SheTrades Tech It Up R and D Grant will also provide US$100,000 in funding support for a women-led business operating in the field of science, technology or product development and innovation to develop commercially viable solutions in energy efficiency, renewable energy applications or smart energy systems.

The CDB said that projects will be assessed based on innovation, technical feasibility, patentability, commercial viability, environmental impact, and the ability to create scalable and sustainable economic opportunities.

The successful applicant will receive funding support, technical mentorship, business development coaching, intellectual property guidance, market readiness support, and must collaborate with Caribbean and Canadian academic institutions engaged in research, collaborative innovation and solution development in clean energy and/or energy transition.

‘Canada is proud to support initiatives that advance women’s economic empowerment while contributing to climate resilience and sustainable development,’ said Canada to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Brenda Wills.

‘Through the SuRGE programme, we are helping create opportunities for women entrepreneurs to participate in the clean energy transition and develop innovative solutions that generate lasting economic and environmental benefits,’ the diplomat added.

The CDB said that the initiative is expected to contribute to the development of market-ready energy solutions, strengthen the participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) entrepreneurship, foster academic-industry collaboration, and increase women’s participation in the Caribbean’s emerging green economy.

‘As a central feature of the Regional Hub’s implementation, partnerships between Caribbean and Canadian universities will serve to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems and provide entrepreneurs with access to research commercialisation expertise, innovation labs and facilities for knowledge exchange through technical cooperation,’ it said.

Following a successful ODI series, West Indies Women’s head coach Shane Deitz is expecting the younger players to come to the fore in their upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe Women.

The Windies took the preceding three-match ODI series 2-1 with a convincing 91-run win in the final match last Sunday.

The focus now shifts to the shorter format, with the two teams clashing at the Takashinga Sports Club in the opening contest on Saturday.

Deitz said he hoped the team could carry forward their good showing in the ODI series into the T20Is.

‘Obviously it was a good series win even though we probably wanted to win 3-0. We played some good cricket over the three games but probably had a period of about 45 minutes where it sort of unraveled in game two, but we had some success.

‘Some players have had some good form as well, so it’s about carrying that form over and that momentum into this series,’ Deitz said.

‘There’s a good feel in the group and a lot of young players are going to get a lot of opportunities here now.’

With captain Hayley Matthews missing in action for the T20I series, Deitz said this was the perfect opportunity for some of the younger players to step up.

Matthews, who smashed two centuries in the ODI series and finished with the most runs, was named Player-of-the-Series.

‘I thought Aaliyah [Alleyne’s] 10 overs in a row last game was a great spell, I think [Ashmini] Munisar has bowled really, really well in these conditions as a young player, and just the energy in the field and the way we’ve conducted ourselves has been really good.

”[Realeanna] Grimmond had a 50 in the first game, so there are signs there that our young players are really stepping up and what we need to do, particularly in this series, is to get those young players stepping up and not just showing their skill level, but showing their match-winning performances and their mindset is ready to be a proper, international cricketer who can take responsibility and take on important roles in the squad,’ Deitz said.

‘In the ODIs Hayley dominated the show, but now someone has got to take over that Hayley role.’

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Trk, says despite some success in containing their activity in parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, the criminal gangs in Haiti ‘continue to adapt and expand, re-emerging in new areas and constantly rearming.

‘My heart goes out to the people of Haiti, often trapped between gang violence and heavy-handed responses,’ Volker told the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council on the update on the human rights situation in Haiti.

He said the recent attacks in Kenscoff and Gressier, and the growing gang presence in the Sud-Est department, point to a strategy of seizing new territory and key transport routes, threatening stability across and beyond Haiti and leaving destruction in its wake.

On Monday, at least 11 people were killed and several others injured in the Gros-Morne’s third communal section as criminal gangs went on a shooting spree.

The interim Mayor, Hubert Cénéac, said the killings followed a confrontation between the Kokorat San Ras gang and a Sri Lankan contingent of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in the nearby Savane Longue communal section.

Also on Monday, the United Nations Security Council voted to extend the mandate of the 5,500 strong GSF by six months until 31 March 2027, as Haiti prepares for elections in December.

Volker said that the first operations by the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), mandated by the UN Security Council, marked a long-awaited step towards greater security.

‘But the Force remains far below the strength needed. This week’s renewal of its mandate needs to be followed by full, accelerated deployment with firm human rights safeguards embedded,’ Volker said.

He is urging all countries to support the rapid, full deployment of the GSF with the equipment it needs and in full compliance with human rights.

‘The Government needs to ensure that all security operations – by State or private actors – are firmly grounded in international human rights law. My Office has provided human rights training to members of specialized police units and the Gang Suppression Force, and we are ready to do more.’

The GSF had replaced an earlier Kenyan-led security mission. About 1,500 to 1,600 personnel are currently deployed with its main function being to restore public safety, secure vital infrastructure and allo the government to function. The GSF is expected to reach its quota of 5,500 personnel in Haiti by October this year.

Volker said during the reporting period, from January 1 to September 11 this year, his office had documented at least 5,700 people killed or injured by gangs or during operations against them.

He said gangs have also kidnapped more than 230 people and raped over 1,000 women and girls. And the real figures are likely much higher.

Volker said that law-enforcement operations continue to raise serious concerns about the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force.

‘Since the beginning of the year, more than half of all casualties occurred in the context of security operations, with hundreds of people struck by stray bullets and explosive drones,’ Volker said, telling the Human Rights Council, adding that the number of summary executions carried out by specialised police units has fallen significantly, by almost half compared with 2025.

‘However, people allegedly associated with gangs continue to be summarily executed.

In some areas, so-called self-defence groups killed or injured some 280 people so far this year.’

Volker said that relentless violence has crowded out attention and resources for the protection of basic rights. He said extortion, looting, and destruction of property are crippling economic activity. Constant danger prevents people from reaching schools, hospitals, and essential services.

Volker said that more than half of Haitians face acute food insecurity, and 40 per cent lack access to basic healthcare and close to 1.5 million people are forcibly displaced, with many more living with their bags permanently packed.

But Volkver also noted that an estimated 30 to 50 per cent of gang members are children, noting that last year, the recruitment and use of children by gangs nearly tripled.

‘For many children in Haiti, joining a gang can be the only way to survive. But no child should be forced to choose between their own life and the safety of their neighbours. Children are exploited, trafficked, and abused – while mechanisms to prevent this and reintegrate them into society remain woefully inadequate.’

Volker said also that the prisons are packed to bursting, with inhuman, degrading conditions. He said across the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, prisons are, on average, operating at more than three times their official capacity and that at least 125 people died in detention this year alone.

The UN Human Rights official said that free and fair elections are the only legitimate way to restore constitutional order.

‘However, given all I have just described, it is difficult to conceive that the conditions for credible elections later this year are in place. Those responsible for serious human rights violations and abuses must not be allowed to enter the race.’

The Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) said that since September 22, more than 628,755 voters had already been entered into the electoral roll, two months after the registration process began, representing over 10 per cent of the potential electorate, namely citizens holding a National Identification Card.

The first round of long-awaited presidential and legislative elections, alongside a constitutional referendum are scheduled for December 13, marking the first time Haitians will be casting ballots since 2016 when President Jovenel Moise was elected. Moise was later assassinated on July 7,2021.

Volker said that ‘this chaos has deep, intertwined roots, fed by greed and impunity both within Haiti and beyond. The only way to cut those roots is through a comprehensive approach that looks beyond security.’

He said that a handful of powerful individuals are exploiting and perpetuating people’s grievances and the weakness of state institutions to pursue their own interests, adding ‘these forces are strategic and well resourced.

‘Many gang leaders are subject to international sanctions. Those sanctions also need to cover all those pulling the strings behind criminal networks and benefiting from them. And they need to be matched by accountability on the ground to strengthen their practical impact.’

He said regarding the arms embargo, to save lives and restore order, the continuous illicit flow of weapons and ammunition into Haiti must end.

‘It is essential that the arms embargo imposed by the Security Council be fully respected and effectively implemented. States need to act urgently and decisively to crack down on arms trafficking and choke off these flows at their source.’

Volker said that nearly five billion US dollars in remittances have flowed into Haiti last year, around one sixth of its gross domestic product (GDP’.

‘These transfers are a lifeline for the country’s economy and its people. Yet we are seeing a crackdown on Haitians who have fled abroad,’ he said, noting however so far this year ‘more than 220,000 people, including nearly 20,000 children, have been forcibly returned to Haiti from several countries in the region.

‘Many of these people fled for their lives or those of their families. Sending them back puts those lives at risk once again, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement,’ Volker said.

He said that the authorities also need to prioritise strengthening the rule of law and the justice system – to end impunity and to decongest prisons.

‘Ensuring humane conditions of detention is paramount – particularly as the GSF scales up its operations.

Volker said that two specialised judicial units, supported by his office and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, are intended to help investigate mass atrocities, sexual violence, and complex financial crimes.

‘I urge the authorities to make them fully operational, and all states to extend their support.

There is also a need for broader efforts to fight corruption, poverty, and inequality. This is key to lasting stability and essential to prevent gangs from preying on children.

There is much work to be done, and across all these areas, the Haitian government needs real, sustained international support,’ Volker said, adding that ‘those who profit from the current state of disorder are determined to see Haiti fail.

‘They seek to fray its social fabric and destroy the prospects of a stronger state. We cannot allow that to happen.We need all eyes on Haiti.

‘And we must never lose sight of the fact that, across the country, communities and individuals are showing extraordinary courage, resilience, and dignity – every day. Every morning, children leave homes without running water, dressed in immaculate, carefully ironed uniforms, and set out for school.

‘We must help bring closer the day when hope – not fear – walks with them on the road,’ Volker told the Council.

Meanwhile, Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesman for the Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said Friday that the UN our humanitarian colleagues in Haiti, say tha, as a result of this week’s deadly attack in the commune of Gros-Morne, in the Artibonite department, several local and international humanitarian partners have temporarily suspended activities and staff movements in the area, disrupting the delivery of life-saving assistance.

‘Nearly 90,000 people in Gros-Morne were expected to receive humanitarian assistance this year, with some 30,000 reached by the end of June. Continued insecurity is now delaying planned assistance for tens of thousands of people,’ Dujarric, told the daily UN press briefing.

‘Once again, and here as well, we need safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian colleagues so they can reach whoever needs it and wherever they may be,’ he added.

The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) said that labour market conditions weakened during the first quarter of 2026 with the unemployment rate measuring 5.4 per cent up from 4.9 per cent in the corresponding third quarter of 2025.

In its latest Monetary Policy’ statement, in which the CBTT said it would maintain the repo rate at its current level of 3.50 per cent, The Central Bank noted that sectoral employment showed mixed developments during the first quarter of 2026.

The Central Bank said that the supplementary indicators it has monitored suggest that labour demand softened through July 2026

According to the CBTT, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its July World Economic Outlook update, projected a reduction in global growth to three per cent for 2026 and 3.4 percent for 2027, reflecting the effects of the war in the Middle East and its impact on energy importers and vulnerable economies.

It said the persistently high inflation rates in several advanced economies and other concerns about the economic environment have resulted in central banks, in the US, Japan and the Euro area, adjusting their monetary policy rates upwards.

‘Unlike the experience internationally, inflation levels in Trinidad and Tobago continue to remain low, with the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for July 2026 showing headline inflation of 0.6 per cent. Food inflation rose to 1.7 per cent while core inflation steadied at 0.2 per cent

The CBTT said the most recent data from the CSO indicated that in the fourth quarter of last year, the non energy sector grew by 0.2 per cent, while the energy sector contracted.

It said recent indicators of economic activity suggest that in the first quarter of 2026 there was a slow down in the construction and distribution sectors offset by a pick up of 4.3 per cent in the manufacturing sector.

‘On the energy side, an uptick in petroleum exports was offset by marginal declines in the methanol, ammonia and natural gas production. This slowing will likely be arrested as the energy sector benefits from increasing production of crude oil and natural gas as investments in new acreage and projects begin to bear fruit. In the case of the non-energy sector a pick-up in construction is likely as Government projects come on stream.’

The CBTT said rhat on a year-on-year basis, consolidated system credit growth continued but at a slower rate over the first half of 2026.

‘Consolidated system credit expanded by 3.4 per cent in July 2026, down from 4.2 per cent in March 2026 and 3.5 per cent in June 2026. On a year-on-year basis, consumer lending slowed to 4.3 per cent in July 2026, down from 5.2 per cent in March 2026, while business lending eased from 3.7 per cent to 0.6 per cent over the same period.

‘Over the period March to July 2026, real estate mortgage lending expanded from 4.4 per cent to 5.6 per cent. Real estate mortgages for both residential and commercial properties continued to grow, despite the slowing down of the demand for residential mortgages. Data to June 2026 show that interest rates on new mortgages increased to 5.33 per cent up from 5.24 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.’

But the CBTT said noted that on the other hand, labour market conditions weakened during the first quarter of 2026, according to official data from the CSO, with the unemployment rate measuring 5.4 per cent during the period, up from 4.9 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2025.

‘Sectoral employment showed mixed developments during the first quarter of 2026. Supplementary indicators monitored by the Central Bank suggest that labour demand softened through July 2026.

The CBTT said that excess liquidity in the banking system remained well balanced over the period June to August and that during that period the government operations resulted in a net domestic fiscal injection of TT$3,436.9 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents). Sales of foreign exchange to authorised dealers, though not a liquidity absorption measure, indirectly removed $2,405.4 million over the period.

‘Overall, liquidity decreased from a daily average of TT$4,252.5 million in June 2026 to TT$4,053.9 million in August, which is overall within a comfortable range for the system. Interbank market activity reached a daily average of $119.8 million over 27 trading days during June to August 2026.’

The CBTT said that interest rate differentials moved in opposite directions in August 2026. Movements in the respective US and Trinidad and Tobago three-month Treasury bill rates resulted in the TT-US yield differential on three-month Treasuries improving by thee basis points over June to August 2026, settling at -91 basis points below parity.

‘At the longer end of the curve, the TT-US ten-year yield differential declined by 15 basis points over June to August 2026, reaching 157 basis points at the end of the period.’

The CBTT said that its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) noted that global economic conditions remain highly uncertain due, in part, to persistent geopolitical tensions, elevated inflation, and tightening monetary conditions.

‘On the domestic front, the Committee considered the moderation of economic activity, slowing private sector credit expansion, and low inflation conditions. Taking all factors into account, the Committee decided to maintain the repo rate at its current level of 3.50 per cent,’ the CBTT said, adding it will continue to monitor international and domestic developments and will take further actions as necessary.

The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Museum (TTCM) says it has been forced to shut down its operations ‘until further notice’ even as it reiterated its commitment ‘to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival’.

In a statement, the museum director and chairman of the TTCM steering committee, Kenny Attai, said the museum had been forced to close its doors as from October 1 and that the said the decision came following an ‘extremely difficult’ year and a half in securing financial support for the national cultural institution.

‘Through a few friends and well-wishers along with our own personal funding and the tremendous outreach of volunteers we were able to keep the museum open to the public this year,’ he said.

‘We thank everyone who has supported, visited, volunteered, partnered and believed in our mission to create a Home for Carnival. Our work continues,’ theTTCM said in a statement posted on its website.

The museum was incorporated as a non-governmental organisation in March 2021 with the aim of creating a space where Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival heritage could be collected, preserved and made available to the public for education, entertainment and enlightenment.

According to the release, the project gained national and international attention and received the award of the iconic Penny Bank building in 2022 to be repurposed as a Carnival Museum.

The museum said the Penny Bank building brought added historic value to the project, while internal renovations were 80 per cent completed through an early grant from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts.

To date, the museum has hosted seven successive exhibitions, more than 20 school tours and welcomed more than 4,000 visitors.

Attai thanked those who supported the museum’s mission, including volunteers, suppliers and organisations and individuals who provided resources and collaborated with the project and that the museum was intended to be the first phase towards a full-scale Carnival museum.

‘We take this opportunity to once again thank all those who believed in the mission and partnered or collaborated with us in creating a Home for Carnival so that our rich cultural heritage can be preserved,’ Attai said, expressing the hope that Trinidad and Tobago would recognise the value of preserving the country’s Carnival heritage and the creativity and ingenuity of its people.

‘It is our sincere hope that Trinidad and Tobago sees the value of recognizing what we have and those who brought us joy and pride since 1841 with the creativity and ingenuity of our people, lest it is taken and owned by others,’ he added.

The state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Friday announced the introduction of a non-stop service between Trinidad and Toronto as well as the resumption of flights between Trinidad and Caracas, Venezuela as well as a series of charter flights between Port of Spain and Panama.

In a statement, CAL said the move is part of its efforts to enhance its network operations and ‘these services will offer customers greater choice for leisure, business and family travel, while supporting tourism, trade and stronger regional and international connectivity’.

CAL said that from October 25, it will introduce a weekly non-stop service to Toronto on a Sunday and that ‘this will provide a direct connection between Tobago and one of its key international markets.

‘From October 31, 2026, Caribbean Airlines will resume commercial passenger service between Trinidad and Caracas. This will restore direct air connectivity between our neighbouring countries and facilitate business travel and tourism’.

CAL said that from December1 this year it will operate a series of charter flights between Trinidad and Panama on selected Tuesdays and Fridays.

CAL had in August announced that it would discontinue the direct routing of its Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return services, effective September 2, ‘as part of on-going schedule optimization across its regional network’.

In May, CAL announced that it would discontinue services on the Dominica, St Kitts, and Ogle in Guyana to Suriname routes from June 1, this year as it continues to ‘focus on operational reliability, customer experience and long-term financial stability.’

The airline also said it will reduce the frequency of its flights to the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly.

A Caribbean high-level symposium on aviation safety has ended here with delegates urging stronger regional cooperation harmonised regulations and sustained investment in technical capacity as Caribbean states work to strengthen aviation safety and resilience.

The one-day symposium on Thursday, which was by the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO), brings together Caribbean ministers responsible for aviation, senior officials, regional institutions and international partners to advance practical measures to improve aviation safety across the Caribbean.

Guyana’s Public Utilities and Aviation Minister, Deodat Indar, said the Caribbean must move beyond individual national efforts and establish stronger mechanisms for collective action.

‘No country can meet these challenges alone. Cooperation must become a working arrangement. Shared expertise, stronger pathways, timely exchange of safety information,’ he said, pointing to the pressures facing aviation authorities, including limited technical personnel, financing constraints, specialist capacity gaps, and differences in regulations and procedures.

He said that at the same time, emerging aircraft technologies, digital systems, artificial intelligence, evolving security risks and climate-related events are creating new demands for regulators and testing the resilience of aviation infrastructure.

Indar said the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), which Guyana chairs for the period 2026-28, can play an important role in strengthening regional oversight and supporting more consistent implementation of international aviation standards.

The symposium also examining the proposed CASSOS Roadmap and Action Matrix to 2035, the sustainability of civil aviation authorities, regulatory harmonisation and air transport services within CARICOM.

The symposium also considered the financing, implementation arrangements and responsibilities required to translate the roadmap into measurable action. The deliberations supported the Georgetown Declaration on Aviation Safety and a roadmap of priority actions aimed at strengthening cooperation, oversight and capacity across the Caribbean.

CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett described the symposium as ‘a timely gathering’ that focused on ensuring the safety of the connections on which people depend as they engage in business activities; travel through the region as tourists, as students and professional service providers, and as they build relationships across the region.

She reiterated that the symposium considered critical matters for Caribbean aviation, noting that for small island and low-lying coastal developing states, connectivity is not a convenience, it is a necessity.

‘Air transport sustains tourism, trade, investment, emergency response, family connections, and the wider economic and social integration of our Community. Safe transportation is essential for economic activity, and as you’ve heard previous speakers say,

‘it is essential also for social and cultural connections, and community building, within our countries – especially the coastal countries with much larger land areas – people moving, whether as family, students, tourists, artistes coming to do concerts, traders moving goods across the community – we all depend on the vital assumption of aviation safety.’

The said that the symposium was not simply to exchange perspectives, ‘but to fulfil a shared responsibility.

‘We must do all we can to ensure that Caribbean aviation remains safe, resilient and efficient, and that our systems always meet all international standards. Our national civil aviation authorities face increasing regulatory demands, technological change, workforce constraints and financial pressures. For small administrations, these realities reinforce a fundamental truth – regional cooperation is indispensable.’

Barnett said that the Caribbean Community Multilateral Air Services Agreement, which has now been signed by 13 member countries, reflects a collective vision for a more connected Caribbean.

‘However, greater connectivity must be built on strong safety oversight systems. Safety, regulatory confidence and operational reliability are indispensable foundations of an integrated regional air transport market, because a more connected Caribbean must also be a safer Caribbean.’

Barnett said that the Declaration on Aviation Safety provides an important platform for translating our shared purpose into collective commitment and practical action.

‘With a clear roadmap for implementation – defined priorities, strengthened cooperation among our aviation authorities, sustainable arrangements for regional safety oversight, greater investment in our technical workforce, and a shared commitment to deliver measurable progress – there can be strengthened aviation safety and a more connected, resilient and prosperous Caribbean Community.’

Meanwhile, Guyana has signed air service agreements with France and Panama.

In the case of France, the government said the agreement, first established in 1976, has been thoroughly updated to reflect modern international standards and foster new opportunities in air transport.

‘This progressive agreement introduces comprehensive and contemporary provisions covering a range of areas, including the granting of operational rights, airline designations and authorisations, application of laws and regulations, commercial opportunities, cooperative marketing, tariffs, aviation safety and security, user charges, and environmental considerations,’ according to a government statement.

It said that while there are currently no direct flights between Guyana and France, the renewed agreement paves the way for airlines to access new markets, enhance competitive air transport services, and stimulate increased trade and economic growth between the two countries.

In the case of Panama, the agreement was initially negotiated and signed at the technical level during the 2025 ICAO Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

‘This agreement is designed to foster greater collaboration in the aviation sector, expand air travel options, and promote increased trade between Guyana and Panama,,’ the statement said, adding that under the new agreement, airlines are granted up to sixth freedom traffic rights for passenger movement and up to seventh freedom rights for cargo operations.

‘These expanded rights will provide airlines with greater flexibility, open new market opportunities, and deliver significant benefits to both passengers and cargo operators.’

The statement said that COPA Airlines, which has operated daily flights between Guyana and Panama since 2014, will now benefit from a formalised legal framework that replaces the previous reciprocity-based system.

The Bermuda government Friday said it intends intention to commence an exploratory process into the potential development of a digital identity framework for the island.

‘As Bermuda continues to modernise public services and support greater digital transformation across the economy, it is important that government considers how residents and businesses can interact with services in a manner that is secure, efficient, and fit for the future,’ Economy and Labour Minister, Jason Hayward told Parliament.

He said digital identity is one of the tools being explored internationally to achieve these objectives.

Hayward told legislators that he wanted to make it clear from the outset that the David Burt administration has not made any decision to implement a digital identity system.

He said the work currently being undertaken is exploratory in nature and is focused on gathering information, understanding international best practices, and determining whether a digital identity framework could provide meaningful benefits for Bermuda.

‘A digital identity is a secure and trusted means of verifying a person’s identity when accessing services, whether online or in person. Today, individuals are often required to repeatedly provide passports, driver’s licences, utility bills, and other documentation to multiple organisations in order to verify their identity.

‘A digital identity framework has the potential to streamline this process by enabling individuals to securely confirm who they are through trusted digital credentials.’

Hayward said that the objective is not simply to digitise existing processes, but rather, it is to explore whether identity verification can be made more secure, more convenient, and more efficient while ensuring that individuals retain confidence in how their personal information is managed.

He said that the government recognises that digital identity is a significant public policy issue and one that requires careful consideration.

‘For residents, a well-designed digital identity system could make access to services simpler and more convenient while reducing administrative burdens and repetitive identity checks. It may also strengthen protections against fraud and identity theft through more reliable methods of identity verification.

‘For businesses and service providers, digital identity could support more efficient customer onboarding, reduce compliance burdens, and improve confidence in the authenticity of identity information.’

Hayward said broadly, digital identity has the potential to contribute to a more connected and modern service environment that supports Bermuda’s wider digital transformation objectives.

However, he noted that these potential benefits must be balanced against important considerations relating to privacy, governance, accessibility, and public trust.

He said that as part of this exploratory process, the government will on Monday issue a Request for Supplier Qualifications, commonly referred to as an RFSQ.

‘This procurement exercise is not intended to select a vendor or commence implementation of a digital identity programme. Rather, it will allow Government to identify organisations with relevant experience and gain a clearer understanding of the legal, technical, operational, and governance considerations associated with digital identity solutions.

‘The information gathered through this process will help Government assess the options available, understand lessons learned in other jurisdictions, and determine what safeguards would be necessary should Bermuda consider moving forward in the future,’ Hayward said.

The Economy and Labour Minister said that the government also recognises that public confidence and public engagement are essential to any discussion concerning digital identity.

‘For this reason, transparency and consultation will form a central part of the exploratory process. Residents, businesses, industry stakeholders, and other members of the community will have opportunities to learn about digital identity, ask questions, provide feedback, and contribute to the discussion as this work progresses.

‘The government is committed to ensuring that any future decisions are informed not only by technical expertise and international experience, but also by the views and expectations of the people of Bermuda.’

Hayward said that work currently underway represents an opportunity for Bermuda to better understand whether digital identity could support the country’s future economic and digital development objectives.

‘This is not the commencement of a digital identity programme, nor is it a commitment to implementation. It is a prudent and responsible process of research, evaluation, and engagement that will allow Government to make informed decisions based on evidence, best practice, and public input.

‘The government’s commitment is to proceed carefully, transparently, and responsibly while ensuring that privacy, security, accessibility, and public trust remain at the centre of any future considerations, Hayward told legislators.

A member of the main opposition, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) has confirmed his resignation from the National Assembly, but insists that his ‘resignation should not be construed as an admission of wrongdoing or as a determination of guilt’.

The police have not officially commented on the allegations made against Dr Andre Lewis, who said he had taken ‘this decision in light of allegations that have been made against me and the ongoing investigation into those allegations. A member of the main opposition, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) has confirmed his resignation from the National Assembly, but insists that his ‘resignation should not be construed as an admission of wrongdoing or as a determination of guilt’.

The police have not officially commented on the allegations made against Dr Andre Lewis, who said he had taken ‘this decision in light of allegations that have been made against me and the ongoing investigation into those allegations.