Category: CANA News

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Friday, January 9, 2026.

GEORGETOWN – The Eminent Persons Group (EPG) of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Friday called on all stakeholders in Haiti to demonstrate patriotism above all other sentiments if Haitians are to determine their own destiny.

BASSETERRE – St. Kitts and Nevis will become the third Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to enter into an agreement with the United States to facilitate third country refugees so as to mitigate scenarios where Washington cannot return these individuals to their state of birth or origin.

WASHINGTON -The United States has reiterated the importance of the Organization of American States (OAS) as a forum for engagement to ‘support a proper, judicious transition of power in Venezuela’.

PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinidad and Tobago government remains optimistic that several cross border energy arrangements it has with Venezuela remains on the front burner, even though the deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had indicated that they had been cancelled.

NASSAU – Former prime minister Dr. Hubert Minnis says he intends to contest the Killarney constituency whch he has been representing since 2007 after the boundaries report tabled in Parliament recommends two new constituencies.

BELMOPAN – The Belize government has confirmed that the charter of the American Northwest University School of Medicine, saying it has not been renewed ‘because the institution did not meet the required terms and conditions for charter renewal’.

SPORTS:

PORT OF SPAIN – Cricket West Indies (CWI) Vice President Azim Bassarath has confirmed that while the Board’s decision was not unanimous, the governing body maintains ‘full faith’ in President Dr Kishore Shallow’s ability to lead while simultaneously serving as a government minister in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

PORT OF SPAIN – In a bid to calm rising public discontent, Cricket West Indies Vice President Azim Bassarath has issued a clear call for patience, stating the board believes ‘more time should be given to the Darren Sammy project.’

St. Kitts and Nevis will become the third Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to enter into an agreement with the United States to facilitate third country refugees so as to mitigate scenarios where Washington cannot return these individuals to their state of birth or origin.

Prime Minister Dr Terence Drew said that the twin island Federation has agreed to joining Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica in accepting deportees from the United States under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Guyana said this week that it is still negotiation its MOU with Washington. ‘I want us to understand that St. Kitts and Nevis, of course, was approached by the United States of America as the other CARICOM countries and we took a very proactive approach sitting with the Americans to reach an arrangement,’ Prime Minister Drew told the ‘Roundtable’ programme with journalists on Thursday.

‘I think that arrangement is in keeping with our principles and of course you know having the collaboration with United States of America as well. I know we are intelligent people, I know we have been looking very closely, and I know our people understand that the geopolitical environment at this time is not what we have been accustomed to.

‘We know there have been shifts, so being proactive is very important, and I want to thank our people, of course, who have been involved in this. So St. Kitts and Nevis has negotiated and entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States of America for the potential transfer of certain third-country nationals, and I want us to listen carefully to who are citizens or nationals of the Caribbean community. This does not involve anybody outside of CARICOM,’ said Drew, who is also the chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping.

‘And I will further say that because of security matters it does not include Haiti at this particular. It does not involve anybody from any other place outside of the CARICOM region.’

Prime Minister Drew said that under the arrangement, the United States may propose transfers of CARICOM nationals.

‘This is what St. Kitts and Nevis has negotiated without violent or sexual criminal backgrounds, and St. Kitts and Nevis may accept them. We are not obliged according to the MOU. The MOU contemplates jointly developing operational procedures, including capacity-based limits and logistical arrangements.

‘So, in St. Kitts and Nevis’s negotiations for our proactive diplomacy, this only contemplates CARICOM citizens at this time, for security reasons, excluding Haiti. These CARICOM nationals, they are without violent or sexual criminal backgrounds.’

He said that while specific details are still being finalised, the financial cost of the arrangements will be borne by the United States as both governments continue discussions on logistics and implementation.

‘We are a CARICOM country. CARICOM can come to St. Kitts and Nevis, and all CARICOM countries, I think, have agreed to receive the appeal. So it means, therefore, that this arrangement, of which I would call collaboration, really is a scenario that is in keeping with our CARICOM principles. It is not one cap that fits all. It depends on what each country negotiated. But we negotiated proactively.’

Regarding the possible impact on the Federation, Prime Minister Drew told the journalists that safeguards would be in place.

‘So it does not necessarily infringe on anything. That’s one. Secondly, as I said before, the cost will work out to be borne by the country that would ask for us. And we have the option to determine if this is the right fit for us or not based on the scenario. And the benefit is that those are some of the things we will negotiate as well. What that would be like. This is the MOU.

‘So we have a Memorandum of Understanding. And then we’ll put those logistical pieces in place to determine the specifics. Because, as you can see here, we are making sure that it does not, while we negotiate and while we have good bilateral relations, which you would know, helps in a lot of different areas. We know the reality of the geopolitics,’ Prime Minister Drew added.

The St. Lucia government Friday announced that the new income tax exemption, intended to provide financial relief to pensioners and beneficiaries of certain social security payments, went into effect as of January 1 this year.

It said the measure come into force following the enactment of the Income Tax (Exemption) (No. 4) Order. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) said that under the new measures, the following income is exempt from income tax, namely pension income, pensions payable by the Government or an approved pension fund as well as pensions payable by a non-approved pension fund or directly by an employer (and earned income of senior citizens.

In addition, income earned by a resident individual who is a St. Lucia citizen and has attained the age of 60 years excluding pension income is exempt from income tax up to a maximum of EC$6,000 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents)per year.

IRD Acting Comptroller, Felicia Ellie, is encouraging employers, pension administrators, and payroll officers to ensure that payroll systems and tax deductions are updated to reflect these exemptions.

The authorities said that pensioners with additional income – other than pension income – will still be required to file a tax return annually.

‘Pensioners are encouraged to file their tax returns for Income Year 2025 by the due date March 31, 2026, especially where tax were deducted from their pension income,’ the IRD added.

Lawyers for a man who spent more than 14 years on remand while awaiting trial on a murder charge that was ultimately dismissed, have sent a pre-action protocol letter to the state seeks damages for malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as costs and interest.

The attorneys for Jameel Deleon have given the Attorney General 14 days to indicate whether the state is willing to settle the matter out of court. They said failing a response, they have been given instructions to commence legal proceedings to secure the rights of their clients.

According to the pre-action protocol letter, Deleon was arrested on October 8, 2007, and charged with the murder of Christopher Lovelace. He appeared before the Rio Claro Magistrates’ Court on October 10, 2007, where the charge was laid indictably.

The attorneys contend that, at no stage during the investigation, was Deleon identified as the person who stabbed Lovelace, nor was an identification parade conducted.

From October 2007 to May 2008, Deleon remained on remand as the matter was repeatedly called in a magistrate’s court and May 9, 2008, following a preliminary inquiry, he was committed to stand trial at the San Fernando Assizes.

The pre-action protocol letter said that Deleon was indicted primarily on the basis of a white jersey with a bloodstain allegedly found during the execution of a search warrant at his home, while the other accused person in the matter was discharged.

The lawyers claim that despite a ‘dearth of evidence,’ Deleon was denied bail and remanded at the Golden Grove Prison. He remained in custody from October 10, 2007, until December 14, 2021.

His trial began on December 3, 2021, with the prosecution calling 16 witnesses. But the defence successfully argued that there was no case to answer, and Justice Geoffrey Henderson dismissed the prosecution’s case, discharging Deleon on December 14, 2021.

In the pre-action letter, the lawyers said that the arrest, detention and prosecution of their client, were carried out without reasonable or probable cause and that the charge was laid maliciously and without any honest belief in his guilt. They argue that the burden lies on the State to justify the lawfulness of his arrest and prosecution.

The letter also made reference to the conditions Deleon allegedly endured during his detention, including sleeping on concrete floors, limited food, lack of hygiene facilities, and prolonged confinement in overcrowded holding cells.

It further alleges that he was exposed to inhumane prison conditions, suffered psychological trauma, and was forced to defend himself against bullying and intimidation after being incarcerated at the age of 18.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Vice President Azim Bassarath has confirmed that while the Board’s decision was not unanimous, the governing body maintains ‘full faith’ in President Dr Kishore Shallow’s ability to lead while simultaneously serving as a government minister in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The statement comes amid public debate over Shallow’s capacity to fulfil both demanding roles. Speaking on the i95.5fm Isports programme with host Andre Errol Baptiste, Bassarath acknowledged the split in opinions.

‘Since Dr Shallow would have won the election in Saint Vincent, some were saying that he should go, some were saying that he should stay,’ Bassarath stated. ‘We cannot really take seriously some of the comments that were made by different people.’

Bassarath revealed that the CWI directors held discussions with Shallow, who provided assurances of his capability to manage both positions.

This led to a majority agreement within the Board to support him seeing out his CWI term.

‘Dr Shallow has said that he wants us to vote for his term, the directors agreed, of course, some of the directors would not have agreed,’ Bassarath said. ‘We know his capability, we know what he can do, and we give him the support, and we will continue to give him the support.’

The Vice President cited Shallow’s energy, his previous consultancy work across the Caribbean, and his eight years of involvement in West Indies cricket as reasons for the Board’s confidence.

‘He has the support of me and, of course, the other two directors at Cricket West Indies,’ Bassarath affirmed.

In a significant secondary disclosure, Bassarath indicated that a major structural reform, long-recommended in various reports on West Indies cricket, is now under serious consideration.

He stated that CWI is moving toward implementing a model of ‘only one director per territory,’ a change from the current structure.

This proposal has been a key recommendation in several reviews aimed at streamlining the board’s decision-making processes.

‘We have taken some of the recommendations from some of the reports. We have dealt quite a bit with the Wehby report,’ Bassarath explained. ‘Maybe in the very near future, we will be dealing with the two directors from a territorial board, which may be the next item on the agenda.’

While cautioning that ‘no timeframe has been given,’ the Vice President was clear that the move is likely. ‘I am quite sure that that is a topic, and that is an item that will be dealt with in the near future at CWI.’

The potential reform represents a proactive step by CWI to address long-standing calls for governance modernisation, even as it navigates the unique circumstance of its President serving in a dual role.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) says it has been closely monitoring the geopolitical developments in Venezuela and addressing disruptions experienced by travelers due to the temporary closure of airspace last weekend.

Last Saturday, United States launched an invasion of Venezuela, disposing of its head of state, Nicolas Maduro, and along with his wife, brought them before a federal court in New York on drugs related charges. Their matter has since been adjourned to March 17. The CTO said that along with its 25 member destinations, they have been closely monitoring the situation and that the Caribbean ‘has extensive experience managing external disruptions and has consistently demonstrated the resilience of its tourism industry.

‘We are grateful to our airline partners for adding capacity to ensure travelers were able to continue with their plans, and to the accommodations sector for its flexibility in supporting affected guests, while safeguarding the region’s vital economic engine.’

The CTO said that the cruise and air travel within the Caribbean remain ‘operational, and advance bookings continue to be strong’ and that it is encouraging travelers to proceed with their plans and assures partners and visitors that the Caribbean remains open for business and ready to welcome travelers.

‘Our 2026 theme, ‘One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,’ invites travelers and partners to discover a unified region of boundless diversity.

‘While we feature world-class resorts, boutique hotels and breathtaking eco-adventures, our heart remains our legendary hospitality – the warmth of our people that ensures every guest feels at home. From pristine beaches to vibrant heritage festivals and world-class cuisine, the region offers a seamless journey to explore, discover and connect within a safe and welcoming environment,’ the CTO added.

The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is urging the government to address speculation that the Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) may be in talks to acquire Speednet – SMART, warning that the acquisition represents ‘a matter of profound national significance’.

Speednet, is a Belizean communications company, established in 2003 and providing mostly deals with celluar services under the brand name ‘SMART’ and other landline services.

‘This transaction would fundamentally reshape Belize’s telecommunication’s landscape, with lasting implications for consumer welfare, business competitiveness, the stewardship of public funds and the overall health of our digital economy,’ the BCC said in a statement. BCCI vice president, Giacomo Sanchez, told reporters that based on information circulating publicly, the figures being mentioned for a potential acquisition are in excess of BDZ150 million (One BDZ$=US$0.49 cents). There has been no official statement from the government or BTL on the matter.

The private sector group said that after ‘careful review’ of the available information and historical context, it wanted to ‘articulate a position of serious and substantive concern’.

It said while it acknowledges the theoretical arguments for consolidation in a small market, including potential efficiencies and enhanced investment capacity, ‘the current legal framework and lack of critical safeguards render support for this transaction premature and potentially harmful to the matinal interest’.

The BCCI said that among its ‘primary concerns’ is the asymmetry between BTL, a publicly listed entity and the privately held Speednet-Smart ‘coupled with a lack of disclosed beneficial ownership prevents the public and its representatives from assessing the fairness, valuation and true motivations behind this transaction.

‘Furthermore, since BTL is a national asset, an acquisition of this magnitude should only proceed after proper consultation with shareholders and stakeholders, including civil society’.

The BCCI said that it is also worried that publicly reported ownership links between Speednet ‘and politically exposed persons create an unacceptable appearance of conflict, undermining trust in the process and raising legitimate questions about whether this transaction serves the public good or private interests’

The private sector group said that given the historical precedent, ‘there is a credible risk that public resources, particularly from the Social Security Board, could be exposed to support this acquisition without sufficient independent valuation, transparency or parliamentary oversight’.

The BCCI said that as a significant shareholder in BTL ‘the risk associated with the acquisition will have a direct impact on the social security fund, which may affect its ability to provide benefits to contributors’.

The BCCI said that in the absence of robust safeguards ‘market consolidation poses a direct threat of monopolistic practices, leading to higher prices, reduced service qualities, less innovation and diminishing bargaining power for all consumers and enterprises.

‘Therefore the BCCI cannot, in good conscience support any move toward consolidation and this time,’ it said, adding ‘crucially, and this is our firm and non-negotiables position, the Chamber insists that any further consideration of this acquisition must be contingent upon the prior enactment and commencement of comprehensive competition and merger controlled legislation’.

It said Belize must first establish the modern legal and regulatory framework akin to those in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago and ‘other regional counterparts’.

Meanwhile, the President of the Public Service Union (PSU) Dean Flowers, says he stands in full support of the BCCI’s position, arguing that Belize continues to grapple with utility monopolies operating at a loss.

”Unfortunately we have not seen that translate into lower costs for citizens. Right now we are grappling with that with WASA and BEL, monopolies operating at a loss, monopolies that currently holds a significant portion of our pension benefits coming out of social security, monopolies in the case of BEL, asking for more money, while being unable to turnover a profit to make the long term pension fund more sustainable.

‘And I want to applaud the BCCI for their response today. I think they were on point and this is one time I stand in full solidarity with everything they stated in their release,’ he added.

The Trinidad and Tobago government says it remains optimistic that several cross border energy arrangements it has with Venezuela remain on the front burner, even though the deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro had indicated that they had been cancelled.

Maduro, was replaced as head of state in the South American country last weekend after the United States invaded the country, despite earlier giving assurances that its military build-up in waters near Caracas, was not intended to lead to a regime change.

Maduro and his wife have since appeared in a Federal Court in New York and President Donald Trump has said that Washington will be ‘running’ the country. Speaking at the news conference following Thursday’s Cabinet meeting Energy Minister, Dr Roodal Moonilal, told reporters that the government remains optimistic that several energy arrangements, including the Dragon gas project, are on the table and that Maduro’s announced suspension of the agreements had never been officially communicated to the government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who had openly supported the United States position on drug trafficking in the region.

Moonilal told reporters that the government relies only on formal communication and existing agreements.

‘We do not operate on what we hear, read, or what social media is saying. Agreements have been in place in this country with Venezuela for some years now, and to our knowledge, we have not received anything that suggests that any arrangement has changed officially.

‘We have never received any cancellations, any official communication vis-à-vis those matters that suggest a change in anything,’ he said, adding that the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licence granted last October for the Dragon gas field remains valid.

‘That remains in place, and to my knowledge, that licence is in effect, and work has continued pursuant to the conditions of that licence; there has been no change in that,’ Moonilal said, telling reporters that work has continued on the Dragon gas field and other cross-border projects, expressing confidence in the country’s position.

‘We are very confident that Trinidad and Tobago’s interest will be served in terms of the cross-border projects,’ he said, adding that there has been no change in policy direction arising from developments between the United States and Venezuela.

‘We have had no change of course, and that primarily involves the Dragon Field project, but it also involves Cocuina-Manakin and Loran-Manatee. We expect that in the coming months that we will advance along with the stakeholders on those matters,’ he said.

Moonilal also sought to clarify that Trinidad and Tobago does not currently have a commercial energy relationship with Venezuela, saying ‘with all the developments, we have not lost a dollar nor have we gained a dollar.

‘We simply do not have commercial relationships on that issue. What we have had is some agreements to advance, particularly on gas fields, and that continues,’ Moonilal said adding that energy stakeholders remain in contact with the relevant authorities in Venezuela.

Last October, Attorney General, John Jeremie said that the United States Treasury Department had granted a six-month window under a newly OFAC licence, allowing the Kamla Persad government and the National Gas Company (NGC) to formally engage in negotiations with Venezuela on the development of the Dragon Gas project.

Jeremie told reporters that the new OFAC licence was ‘issued under certain executive orders and it authorises US persons, including employees, affiliates, contractors and service providers employed by or acting on behalf of or for the direct or indirect benefit of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the NGC, Shell, PLC, Futura Clara Limited, and their subsidiaries and their affiliates and contractors to engage in transactions ordinarily incident and necessary to negotiations with the government of Venezuela and Petroleos, the Venezuela executives in connection with the Dragon gas project.’

Last April, the United States government revoked the OFAC licence granted to Trinidad and Tobago to allow Shell, the NGC, and contractors to explore, produce, and export natural gas from the Venezuelan Dragon Gas Field.

The licence was valid until October 31, 2025, and enabled Trinidad and Tobago to pay for gas in various currencies and through humanitarian measures. On December 21, 2023, Trinidad and Tobago also secured a 30-year exploration and production license from the government of Venezuela for the Dragon gas field.

Washington had also revoked the Cocuina-Manakin license granted to Port of Spain on May 31, 2024.

Port of Spain had been planning to request an extension from Washington for a licence granted to Shell and the NGC to develop the Dragon gas project in Venezuela.

The license, issued in early 2023, allows the companies to plan the project. The project aims to supply gas to Trinidad by 2027. The Dragon Field is located in Venezuelan waters near the maritime border with Trinidad.

Persad Bissessar, when in opposition had been critical of the then People’s National Movement (PNM) decision to pursue the Dragon gas deal and soon after coming to office in April, declared the project was ‘dead’.

Moonilal told the news conference that the government is continuing its agenda of holding talks with regional oil and and gas producers, notably Guyana and Grenada.

He said discussions have been held with the Guyana Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, as well as having a ‘good engagement with the government of Grenada, and we are advancing a collaboration in the energy sector as part of our vision of becoming the energy hub of the Caribbean’.

But he said also that the government is also looking beyond the Caribbean.

‘We are now looking at partnerships outside the region, particularly South America, Europe and Asia and so on, to see how we can deepen our collaboration in the energy sector. Those discussions have been taking place, and much more will be done this year.’

The Belize government Friday said it held a meeting with key stakeholders in the sugarcane industry to review preparations for the 2026 crop season.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Economic Transformation, Dr. Osmond Martinez, said that the 2026 crop is scheduled to begin on January 19, and that the meeting formed part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination, transparency, and joint decision-making across the sugarcane value chain. ‘This regular forum is expected to strengthen planning, improve responsiveness to weather and logistical challenges, and ensure that interventions deliver clear benefits to cane farmers and the wider industry.

‘Through these recurring engagements, the Ministry of Economic Transformation and its partners reaffirmed their collective commitment to modernizing Belize’s sugar industry and safeguarding the livelihoods of thousands of sugarcane farmers and workers across northern Belize,’ according to a statement issued following the meeting

During the meeting, the Ministry of Economic Transformation reaffirmed its commitment to the northern sugarcane industry by establishing bi-monthly stakeholder meetings to be held at the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB).

It said that these meetings will include representatives from the SICB, the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI), Belize Sugar Industries/American Sugar Refining (BSI/ASR), the Sugar Cane Production Committee (SCPC), and the four cane farmers’ associations-Northern Sugar Cane Growers Association, Progressive Sugar Cane Producers Association, Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association, and Corozal Sugar Cane Producers Association.

Martinez told the meeting of the government’s resolve to ensure that all actors in the sugar industry work toward a common vision of a resilient, competitive, and farmer-focused sector, emphasising that the newly established bi-monthly meetings would serve as a permanent platform for reviewing progress, addressing emerging issues, and maintaining open dialogue among farmers’ associations, the mill, and regulatory bodies.

According to the statement stakeholders reviewed mill readiness for the 2026 crop, during which BSI/ASR confirmed plans to begin steam trials on Friday. The meeting also addressed key support measures, including the fuel subsidy and the waiver of licenses for sugarcane transport units.

To improve coordination and oversight, participants agreed to establish a technical committee that will include representatives from major institutions to work alongside the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) on road maintenance.

Martinez said that as part of this initiative, he would lead a field visit on January 12, to assess priority road sections and advise on immediate follow-up actions.

Last month, Prime Minister John Briceño welcomed the one-year interim agreement reached between the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and the American Sugar Refinery/Belize Sugar Industries Ltd that allowed for the start of the new crop sugar season that the authorities hope will yield an estimated 1.3 million tonnes of sugarcane for milling.

Chairman of the BSCFA Committee of Management, Alfredo Ortega, said the interim agreement allows for the government to amend existing laws to prevent the kinds of stalemate that threaten to frustrate the sugar industry.

The two main stakeholders in the sugar industry had been at loggerheads and after almost a year of back and forth, in late October, both parties finally agreed to the services of a mediator following the expiration of the current agreement in January this year.

In a bid to calm rising public discontent, Cricket West Indies Vice President Azim Bassarath has issued a clear call for patience, stating the board believes ‘more time should be given to the Darren Sammy project.’ Speaking frankly on the i95.5FM Isports program with host Andre Errol Baptiste, Bassarath acknowledged the troubled climate surrounding the men’s team’s direction but urged the region to support the current leadership.

His comments come amid growing debate over the team’s inconsistent performances under the all-format head coach.

‘The directors believe that more time should be given, so the region needs to understand that,’ Bassarath stated.

He confirmed that Sammy’s tenure will be formally assessed, likely around the time of CWI’s Annual General Meeting.

‘Maybe a discussion paper can be circulated, and the directors can have a look at it,’ he noted, framing it as a deliberate process. ‘It is something that we must give time to see if it can work.’

Addressing the key question of a fair timeline, the Vice President suggested the upcoming T20 World Cup next month will be a critical benchmark, alongside recent series results.

‘Whether one year is a sufficient time is still to be debated. We look at his results where there are a few series and maybe the World Cup, and we can really have a look at his tenure at that time.’

Striking a conciliatory tone, Bassarath directly appealed to fans and critics alike to temper immediate judgment. ‘We shouldn’t rush into things. We shouldn’t be criticising too much,’ he implored. ‘Let us lend our support to the guy and encourage the players and the coaches and so on, and see if we can turn the so-called corner again.’

He concluded by recognising the emotional weight of the issue, admitting, ‘I know that it is a troubling topic.’

The statement represents the board’s most direct effort yet to manage expectations, signalling that while a review is inevitable, a decision on Sammy’s future will not be rushed.