Category: CANA News

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says he will be bringing to Cabinet, a submission to address the important matter of increasing the birth rate in St. Kitts and Nevis.

‘This is about supporting families, securing our future, and investing in the next generation. I am included,’ Prime Minister Drew, a medical practitioner, wrote on his Facebook page. According to the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) ‘Health in the Americas,’ in 2000 the total population of the twin island population was 45 461 inhabitants increasing to 47,755 by 2023, a five per cent increase.

Regarding the Federation’s demographic profile, in 2023 people over 65 years of age accounted for 10.6 per cent of the total population, an increase of 2.7 percentage points compared to the year 2000.

In 2023, there were 107.3 women per 100 men and 55.1 older people (65 years or older) per 100 children under 15 years of age, as can be seen in the country’s population pyramids, distributed by age group and sex.

Considering the population between 15 and 64 years of age to be potentially active, that is being potential participants in the labour force, this group represented 70.2 per cent of the total population of the country.

Life expectancy at birth in 2023 was 72.2 years, lower than the average for the Region of the Americas and 2.4 years higher that in 2000.

The statement by Prime Minister Drew on his Facebook page has drawn mixed reviews with one person writing ‘the issue of our population is one that I have been advocating for some time now. We cannot grow the nation without a growing population. Its just not possible and in fact will lead to more difficulties if we don’t get it going. I believe its our greatest problem at the moment’.

However, others questioned the statement with one person writing ‘Is this satire or are you actually serious,’ to which Prime Minister Drew responded ‘our birthrate is at an all time low. We need to address now. Countries are failing because of low birth rates’.

But others wrote they were waiting to see ‘what incentives would be offered, free pampers, formula, clothing, after hours daycare, developmental toys, special care if necessary for the first five years?’.

Another person write ‘while this is an important and necessary conversation for our country’s future, it is difficult to speak about increasing the birth rate without first addressing the realities faced by existing parents.

‘ For years, parents have called on the government for stronger enforcement mechanisms, such as garnishing wages, to ensure consistent child support.

‘If I am not mistaken, the current child support amount stands at approximately EC$75 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) per week. At a time when the cost of living has risen significantly, transportation, food, utilities, and other essentials. It is concerning that this figure has remained unchanged.’

The Bermuda government is urging citizens to participate in the ongoing island wide electoral reform town hall meetings aimed at revamping the island’s voting system and making it easier, fairer, and more accessible for all Bermudians.

‘These town halls are about listening. Hearing directly from the public will help guide reforms that strengthen confidence, fairness, and accessibility in Bermuda’s electoral system. I encourage everyone to attend, ask questions, and share their perspectives,’ said Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, Diallo Rabain. He said that the townhall meetings form part of the government’s efforts to modernise Bermuda’s electoral system and boost public confidence and participation in the democratic process.

‘A strong democracy relies on the voices of its people, and these forums provide an opportunity for residents to share their views and learn about possible improvements to election administration.’

The government said that each town hall meeting will include a brief presentation, followed by a moderated discussion, allowing attendees to ask questions and contribute directly to the conversation.

Rabain said that the discussions will focus on key areas under consideration as part of broader electoral reform, including, implementing absentee voting for eligible Bermudian students studying overseas; establishing clear and transparent standards for political parties and campaign financing; ensuring the voters’ register remains accurate, private, and transparent.

The discussions are also intended to embracing practical modernisation of the electoral systems and technology and setting consistent and fair rules for polling day administration.

Last year, the ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) was severely criticised by students who were unable to return to the island to vote in the last general election.

Elections in Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, have been taking place since 1620. The island’s current electoral system, with a lower house elected by all Bermuda status-holders, each casting a single vote, voting in single-member districts on the first past the post method, came into effect with the 1968 constitution.

Sprinter Shockoria Wallace has become the first Jamaican to announce her participation in the controversial Enhanced Games, set to debut in May.

The 32-year-old Jamaican joins sprinter Taylor Anderson, Marvin Bracy-Williams (United States), Mike Bryan (Germany), Clarence Munyai (South Africa), and Reece Prescod (United Kingdom) as the latest additions to the men’s and women’s fields for the games.

The Enhanced Games, which will be held in Las Vegas, will allow athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs, if they desire, to augment their performances across several disciplines, including athletics and swimming.

Athletes who break world records will win a grand prize of US$1 million. Wallace said she was eagerly looking forward to participating in the event, despite it facing backlash from several sporting organisations.

‘I am officially announcing that I am now a member of the Enhanced Games team. I am proud, I am excited to go on this journey,’ Wallace said in an Instagram post on Monday.

‘They do provide a lot for athletes, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be working with them moving forward. I, Shokoria Wallace, will be racing down that track to break the world record and win a grand prize of US$1 million. I am excited.’

Wallace has personal bests of 11.09 seconds in the 100 metres and 7.22 in the 60 metres.

She did not specify which of her events she was aiming to break the record for, but the 100-metre world record is 10.49 seconds, set by American sprinter Florence Griffith-Joyner (Flo-Jo) in 1988 during the US Olympic trials, while the 60 metre record of 6.92 seconds is held by Russia’s Irina Privalova, set in Madrid, Spain in 1993.

Wallace maintained that she was not under any pressure to take performance-enhancing drugs, emphasising that the Enhanced Games team gave athletes the choice to compete naturally or enhanced under medical supervision.

Major sporting bodies, including World Athletics and World Aquatics have spoken out against the Enhanced Games, citing the potential impact on athletes and sport.

World Aquatics enacted a bylaw in 2025 banning individuals who ‘support, endorse, or participate in sporting events that embrace the use of scientific advancements or other practices that may include prohibited substances and/or prohibited methods’ from participating in its events.

Guyana’s President, irfaan Ali, will pay a three -day state visit to Belize next month, the Office of the Prime Minister has announced.

It said that Ali will arrive here on February 1 and that during his visit, he ill address the opening of the new session of Parliament. ‘President Ali is the Lead Head of Government in CARICOM for agriculture, and in an effort to strengthen regional cooperation, investment and trade, will undertake a visit with the productive sector. It is expected that a number of cooperation agreements will be signed,’ the statement said.

It added that President Ali willalso hold talks with Governor General Dame Froyla T’zalam, and Prime Minister John Briceño.

‘Belize and Guyana have historically shared strong and robust bilateral relations grounded in our commitment to regional solidarity, development and integration,’ the statement noted.

The main opposition New National Party (NNP) has reiterated a call for the Grenada government to act urgently after the United States imposed a ban on all fish and fish products from the Caribbean island as of January 1, this year.

The measure follows Grenada’s failure to provide a ‘comparability finding’ showing its fishing operations do not intentionally kill or seriously injure marine mammals, as required by the he US Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Late last year, the Dickon Mitchell government had indicated that it would amend the existing fishing legislation, increasing also the penalty as the island sought to comply with measures outlined by Washington.

In August last year, the US announced it would ban fish imports from the island starting January 1, 2026, a major blow to Grenada’s economy, given that the US has been the primary export destination for its fish, particularly yellow fin tuna, a trade worth over EC$50 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) annually and supporting thousands of livelihoods.

In a statement, the NNP warned that ‘delayed responses including the late passing of a legislation and limited engagement are deepening hardship for families and threatening wider economic stability’.

It said that it held meetings with fishermen and other stakeholders bringing ‘party leaders face to face with fishermen whose livelihoods have been disrupted and families struggling with uncertainty’.

NNP political leader, Emmalin Pierre, said the situation reflects a broader failure of communication and crisis management.

‘Fishing supports thousands of families, feeds communities, and contributes millions to the national economy. This is a national issue that demands coordinated and urgent government action. Late, long-term legislation alone is not enough,’ said Pierre, who is also the Opposition Leader in the Parliament.

NNP legislator, Norland Cox, whose constituency includes many of the communities most directly affected, spoke of the real and immediate hardship facing fishermen in Carriacou and Petite Martinique.

‘These are hardworking men and women who want to work. What they need is clear communication, interim support, and realistic options while longer-term solutions are pursued. Too many families are being asked to carry this burden alone,’ Cox said in the absence of alternative markets.

The NNP said that instead of prioritising support and solutions, the Dickon Mitchell government has focused on defending its record and attacking those advocating for fishermen, while critical questions remain unanswered.

‘The NNP will continue to engage affected communities and call for decisive action that protects livelihoods, sustains coastal economies, and safeguards Grenada’s food security and economic stability.’

Shawnisha Hector scored a half century and took two crucial wickets to lead Leeward Islands Women to an exciting nine-wicket win over Jamaica Women in the T20 Blaze here on Tuesday.

Batting at the top of the order, Hector anchored her team’s innings during a knock of 56 off 55 balls with six fours, which helped the Leewards post 108 for five off their 20 overs at the Arnos Vale Playing Field.

Hector then returned to grab 2-15 from her four overs to limit last year’s losing finalists to 99 for eight.

The Leeward Islands got off to the worst possible start with Qiana Joseph unlucky to be caught and bowled off the first ball of the match after her on drive ricocheted off the boot of Neisha-Ann Waisome and into the air to give the bowler the easiest of catches. Hector added 35 runs with Jahzara Claxton, before the latter and Reniece Boyce fell in quick succession.

She then put on 48 runs with Amanda Edwards, who made 20, for the fourth wicket, which helped take her side to the 100 mark.

Hector was eventually dismissed in the penultimate over and the Leeward Islands limped to the finish, scoring eight runs off the final 10 balls.

Chedean Nation took 2-15 to be Jamaica’s best bowler.

Buoyed by an unbeaten 48 from Nation, Jamaica was comfortably placed at 60 for two in the 12th over during a 40-run partnership with Stafanie Taylor.

However, the turning point of the match came when off spinner Davronique Maynard had Taylor caught for 25.

It led to a collapse that saw Jamaica lose six wickets for just 23 runs and control of the contest, as they slumped to 83 for eight in the 18th over.

Nation led a comeback effort in an unbroken partnership of 19 runs for the ninth wicket with Celina Whyte, but Jamaica fell agonisingly short of their modest target.

Maynard (2-19) and Claxton (2-26) both provided solid support with the ball.

Police Tuesday said they are investigating the suspected suspected murder-suicide of two employees of a guest house in the capital.

They have identified the victims as 31 year old housekeeper, whose only name given so far is Loriann and Cyril Saul, a 36-year-old security guard.

‘Preliminary enquiries revealed that both individuals were employed at the said guest house and were the only staff members on duty during the overnight period. Investigations further disclosed that the two were previously involved in an intimate relationship which reportedly ended approximately two months ago,’ the police said in a statement.

It said that the police had responded to a call and discovered the female lying motionless in one of the rooms with visible injuries, while the male was found unresponsive in a separate room. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor on duty from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The police said that several items, including a firearm, ammunition, a knife and a quantity of ‘a suspected substance’ were recovered at the scene and secured for forensic examination. ‘CCTV footage from the premises was reviewed and is forming part of the ongoing investigation. Several persons have since been contacted and questioned,’ the police statement added.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Energy Minister, Melford Nicholas, has been elected as Vice President of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) representing Latin America and the Caribbean.

His election took place at the 16th session of the IRENA Assembly Bureau that ended here on Monday with Nicholas already holding talks with IRENA Director General, Francesco La Camera, on Antigua and Barbuda’s priorities and practical pathways for accelerating implementation across Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including investment mobilization and partnership delivery. Nicholas had told the two-day Assembly that Antigua and Barbuda’s key priorities for a resilient and affordable renewable energy transition include reducing vulnerability to volatile fossil-fuel imports, noting that fuel and related costs account for an estimated 67 per cent of utility earnings.

He said accelerating deployment of solar and wind, supported by phased and hybrid approaches that enable a just transition and manage system risks as well as strengthening and climate-proofing the grid and energy infrastructure against hurricanes and other climate impacts were other priorities.

The Assembly was overshadowed by the decision of the United States to withdraw from IRENA and 65 other international organisations, many of them UN-affiliated bodies and Nicholas enphsised the need for reinforcing regional cooperation through institutions such as the Barbados-based Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) to support pooled procurement, training and financing.

Energy and Energy Industries Minister, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, has welcomed the ruling of a High Court that dismissed a defamation claim brought by two investment entities and their principal.

Justice Frank Seepersad, in dismissing the claim by Trillions Systems Ltd, Rose Capital Investments Ltd and businessman James Kerron Rose, was also critical of the claimants’ failure to comply with court orders and to actively pursue the matter. ‘This matter has come up on a few occasions,’ Justice Seepersad said, noting that directions had been issued on July 16, 2025, for specific procedural steps to be taken, including the filing of a reply and lists of documents.

‘I have no information whether a reply was filed. A list of documents were to be filed and there was no compliance,’ the judge said, adding that six months had passed with no meaningful progress.

‘What concerns me is the court’s jurisdiction having been invoked and there seems to be no interest from the claimant. With the order just granted, there is clear indication that there is a lack of instructions as to the progress of this matter.’

The defamation suit arose from statements made by Moonilal during a September 8, 2024, press briefing streamed on the then opposition United National Congress’s (UNC) Facebook page and shared on his personal social media accounts.

Rose and the companies alleged Moonilal had falsely and maliciously linked them to illegal quarrying, questionable state contracts and other financial improprieties.

They claimed the statements caused reputational harm, business losses and emotional distress, and complained that Moonilal allowed the posts to remain online without verification, correction or apology. Moonilal denied wrongdoing and maintained that his statements were made in the public interest.

He noted that Rose and his company had been the subject of widespread public controversy involving investors. referring to media investigations and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which confirmed that it had launched an investigation into the company. He called for swift action by the authorities and questioned the status of that probe, for what he described as the ‘pain and suffering of people’ who have lost their money.

‘Today, however, aggrieved citizens are claiming fraud and deception because they have not been able to get back any money,’ Moonilal said. ‘They have lost their personal savings.’

Moonilal said the court’s decision clearly vindicated his position and the issues he raised – including allegations of illegal quarrying and other activities – were serious matters of public interest that warranted investigation.

He pledged to continue speaking out against injustice and wrongdoing, ‘regardless of the consequences.’.

Attorney Jared Jagroo, who appeared with former attorney general, Senior Counsel Anand Ramlogan for Moonilal, told the court there had been no communication from the claimants since the matter was filed and that the claimants had not appeared in court.

Justice Seepersad said that parties who invoke the court’s jurisdiction have a duty to advance their cases.

‘The claimant has failed to comply with orders of the court and even attend court to provide any explanation. Delay will not be tolerated by this court. The court must jealously guard its process.’

The judge dismissed the claim and ordered the claimants to pay costs in default of agreement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Tuesday urged Caribbean governments to significantly strengthen taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages amid concerns that these products are getting cheaper, due to consistently low tax rates in most countries.

The WHO said that as a result, it is fueling obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers and injuries, especially in children and young adults. In two new global reports released Tuesday, the WHO is warning that weak tax systems are allowing harmful products to remain cheap while health systems face mounting financial pressure from preventable noncommunicable diseases and injuries.

‘Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease,’ said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

‘By increasing taxes on products like tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health services.’

The WHO said the combined global market for sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages generates billions of dollars in profit, fueling widespread consumption and corporate profit. Yet governments capture only a relatively small share of this value through health-motivated taxes, leaving societies to bear the long-term health and economic costs.

The reports show that at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks, many of which are sodas. But many other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.

The WHO said that while 97 per cent of countries tax energy drinks, this figure has not changed since the last global report in 2023.

A separate WHO report shows that at least 167 countries levy taxes on alcoholic beverages, while 12 ban alcohol entirely.

Despite this, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes fail to keep pace with inflation and income growth. Wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries, mostly in Europe, despite clear health risks.

‘More affordable alcohol drives violence, injuries and disease,’ warned Dr Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Health Determinants, Promotion and Prevention, noting that ‘while industry profits, the public often carries the health consequences and society the economic costs’.

The WHO found that across regions tax shares on alcohol remain low with global excise share medians of 14 per cent for beer and 22.5 per cent for spirits; sugary drink taxes are weak and poorly targeted with the median tax accounting for only about two per cent of the price of a common sugary soda and often applying only to a subset of beverages, missing large parts of the market.

The report found that few countries adjust taxes for inflation, allowing health-harming products to become steadily more affordable.

These trends in tax persist despite a 2022 Gallup Poll finding that the majority of people surveyed supported higher taxes on alcohol and sugary beverages.

‘WHO is calling on countries to raise and redesign taxes as part of its new 3 by 35 initiative, which aims to increase the real prices of three products, tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks, by 2035 making them less affordable over time to help protect people’s health.’