Category: CANA News

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.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, says it has successfully concluded a series of civil society organization (CSO) engagement workshops on citizen security, across four Eastern Caribbean countries.

The RCO said that the workshops reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development, peacebuilding, and human rights. It said the sessions were coordinated in collaboration with national citizen security focal points, the UN Regional Peace and Development Officer and the Caribbean Policy and Development Centre (CPDC), brought together almost 100 CSO representatives across Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. ‘Citizen security is not simply a policy priority. It is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Addressing it requires a whole-of-society approach, and civil society organizations are at the heart of this effort,’ says UN Resident Coordinator, Simon Springett, reiterating civil society as an indispensable partner in addressing citizen security challenges through prevention, empowerment, and community-led solutions.

According to the RCO the participants were of the view that citizen security extends beyond law enforcement and must be addressed as a development challenge, one that directly affects social cohesion, trust in institutions, and progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this regard, civil society representatives highlighted their unique role as trusted community actors, often serving as the first to identify emerging risks, support vulnerable groups, and advocate for inclusive and rights-based responses, it said.

In Antigua and Barbuda, CSOs strengthened their capacity in civic responsibility, human rights, violence prevention, and community engagement, while exploring how grassroots initiatives can align with national and regional security frameworks.

The St. Kitts and Nevis engagement brought together nearly 60 CSOs and community leaders, reinforcing a public health approach to crime and violence prevention focused on early intervention, data-driven decision-making, and community partnerships.

In Grenada, a one-day hybrid dialogue placed civil society at the center of discussions on youth violence, community resilience, human rights, and cultural interventions. Government and UN representatives recognised that CSOs bring trust, cultural understanding, lived experience, and innovation, and emphasized the importance of meaningful youth participation.

The engagement in St. Vincent and the Grenadines zeroed in on the rising impacts of crime, gender-based violence, and data gaps, while highlighting the importance of prevention, psychosocial support, restorative justice, and community trust-building.

During the session, the UN announced a Five-Year CSO Engagement Strategy (2026-2030) aimed at deepening collaboration and improving coordination across the Eastern Caribbean.

The RCO said that despite differing national contexts, CSOs across the four countries identified common priorities, including the need for strengthening data collection and evidence-based advocacy; expanding youth mentorship, skills training, and diversion programmes among other areas.

It said that building on the momentum of these engagements, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office will seek to further advance implementation of its CSO Engagement Strategy (2026-2030) across the Eastern Caribbean.

‘Continued efforts will also support improved coordination, information-sharing, and capacity-building among CSOs; strengthen policy dialogue and data-sharing to ensure community realities inform national strategies and continue promoting inclusive, prevention-focused approaches to citizen security aligned with the SDGs and international human rights commitments.’

The global economy is expected to grow by 2.7 per cent in 2026, slightly below last year’s pace and well under pre-pandemic averages, as trade tensions, high debt and weak investment continue to cloud the outlook, the United Nations said on Wednesday. According to the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report, easing inflation and looser monetary policy helped sustain growth in 2025 despite sharp increases in U.S. tariffs. However, the report warns that structural weaknesses-including limited fiscal space and subdued investment-could lock the world into a prolonged period of slower growth.

Global trade expanded by a stronger-than-expected 3.8 per cent in 2025, driven by early shipments and resilient services trade, but momentum is expected to cool to 2.2 per cent in 2026 as the impact of higher tariffs and policy uncertainty becomes more pronounced.

For Latin America and the Caribbean, economic growth is projected at 2.3 per cent in 2026, marginally lower than in 2025. The UN cited moderate consumer demand and a mild recovery in investment, while cautioning that high debt levels, limited fiscal flexibility and exposure to external shocks remain key vulnerabilities for the region.

Inflation continues to ease globally, with headline inflation projected to fall to 3.1 per cent in 2026, down from 3.4 per cent in 2025.

Still, the UN stressed that high prices continue to erode purchasing power, particularly in developing economies, where food, energy and transportation costs remain elevated.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that economic, geopolitical and technological tensions are reshaping the global landscape, deepening uncertainty and social strain. He said many developing countries remain off track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

The report also highlighted risks linked to rising debt burdens and financial market volatility, including stretched asset valuations in sectors tied to artificial intelligence, which could widen inequality between and within countries.

Calling for renewed multilateral cooperation, the UN urged governments to strengthen coordination on trade, debt relief and climate finance. It pointed to the Sevilla Commitment, adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, as a roadmap to reform the global financial system and improve access to development and climate funding-steps the UN said are critical for small and vulnerable economies, including those in the Caribbean.

Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, has reaffirmed Government’s support for the Maroon communities.

‘You are part of Jamaica and you are entitled to the protection [and] resources of the State of Jamaica,’ the Prime Minister emphasised.

He was addressing the 288th commemoration of the 1738 Treaty between the Leeward Maroons and the British, as well as the birthday of Chief Kojo, in Accompong Town, St. Elizabeth earlier this week,

Haitian-American New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has condemned Wednesday’s fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis by an United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, describing the incident as ‘horrific.’ ‘Today’s event in Minneapolis was nothing short of horrific,’ Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

‘Due to a federal ICE agent’s negligence, a woman is unable to return to her family,’ added the chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party. ‘This incident serves as yet another instance of the federal government overstepping boundaries and asserting excessive authority.

‘Justice must be served for the innocent woman who lost her life and her grieving family by holding accountable both the ICE agent involved and the Trump administration, whose decision to deploy ICE in Minneapolis led to this tragedy,’ Bichotte Hermelyn alleged, extending condolences to the victim’s family and the city of Minneapolis ‘as they try to make sense of today’s events.

‘Additionally, I support and stand with (Minneapolis) Mayor Frey and (Minnesota) Governor Walz in their efforts to fight back against the federal government’s involvement and advocate for changes related to ICE within their city,’ she said.

US House of Representatives’ Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement that the unidentified ICE agent ‘shot and killed an unarmed woman who was not the target of an immigration enforcement action.

‘I pray for the loved ones of the victim and stand with the people of Minneapolis during this difficult time,’ he continued. ‘The American people must reject this cruelty and extremism.’

Reports indicate that Good, a US citizen and mother of three, was shot in the head, while in her SUV, by the ICE agent in front of a family member in a residential neighborhood about a mile from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020.

ICE agents are in Minnesota as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.

CRICKET-ICC-Greaves among trio nominated for ICC’s Player of the Month awardThe medium pacer also contributed with the ball, taking five wickets in the series.

He will face stiff competition from New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy and Australia’s left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc.

Duffy was the leading wicket-taker in the home Test series against the West Indies, claiming 23 wickets at an astonishing average of 15.43 in three matches, which helped New Zealand claim the series 2-0.

His imperious form in the final month of 2025 helped him become the highest-wicket taker in a calendar year for New Zealand across formats, with 81 wickets, surpassing Richard Hadlee’s record of 79 set back in 1985.

Meanwhile, Starc was instrumental during the Ashes series in December, taking 16 wickets and scoring 139 runs in three Tests.

He was Player-of-the-Match in the second Ashes Test, contributing 77 runs and taking eight wickets to set up Australia’s win.

Starc also made a key batting contribution of 54 runs and four wickets in the Ashes-clinching third Test in Adelaide, helping Australia seal the series.

West Indians Deighton Butler and Zahid Bassarath are among 21 match officials named by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to officiate at the upcoming Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

The 51-year-old Butler and Bassarath, 42, are two of 17 umpires who will participate at the event in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6.

Butler, who was appointed to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2024, has officiated in 22 international matches: 14 T20Is, five WODIs, two WT20Is and one ODI. Bassarath, meanwhile has stood in 14 T20Is, eight WODIs, five WT20Is and one ODI.

The four match referees appointed for the tournament are Dean Cosker (England), Prakash Bhatt (India), Graeme Labrooy (Sri Lanka) and Neeyamur Rahul (Bangladesh).

Speaking on the appointments, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta said: ‘This ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is a tremendous opportunity for rising stars in the game to shine, but it is also an invaluable reward system for up-and-coming match officials.

‘We hope that this will be the perfect springboard for their careers as we see them progress in their officiating journeys.’

Bronx, New York Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson has welcomed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s appointment of Jamaican-born Kamar H. Samuels as chancellor of New York City public education system.

Samuels, who served as superintendent for Manhattan’s District 3 and Brooklyn’s District 13, was appointed to lead the nation’s largest school district on January 1.

‘On behalf of our borough, we want to congratulate Kamar H. Samuels on his appointment as our next chancellor of New York City Public Schools,’ Gibson, the daughter of a Trinidadian father, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Wednesday.

‘With decades of experience as a veteran educator, school leader, and public school parent, Chancellor Samuels brings a deep understanding of the public education system to this role.

‘His dedication to academic excellence, culturally responsive learning, and student achievement aligns with our fundamental belief that every child in New York City deserves access to a safe, inclusive, and high-quality education that provides pathways to good-paying jobs and future careers,’ she added.

‘With our administration investing more than $85 million in capital funding for our borough’s schools, continuing our collaboration with the New York City Public Schools Chancellor will be essential to ensure our scholars continue to have the resources and opportunities they need to excel academically,’ Gibson continued.

‘I look forward to advancing this partnership with our new Chancellor to further invest in our schools, eliminate barriers to academic success and achievement, bridge the digital divide, and equip our youth with the resources they need for a successful future,’ she said.

A veteran educator with more than two decades of experience and New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) parent himself, NYCPS said Chancellor Samuels has ‘devoted his career to advancing student achievement, strengthening instructional practice, and building schools that are safe, academically rigorous, and truly integrated.’

NYCPS said Samuels is focused on the core priorities that make schools successful and on engaging closely with educators, families, and students.

‘He believes schools should reflect what makes New York City unique, embracing our rich diversity through learning experiences grounded in cultural understanding and respect,’ it said. ‘He leads with the conviction that all children deserve schools where they feel safe and valued, are challenged academically, and are prepared to thrive in college, careers, and life.’

NYCPS said Samuels was born in Jamaica, where he attended Jamaica College in St. Andrew, before continuing his education in New York City at Baruch College, City University of New York (CUNY).

He began his career in NYCPS through the NYC Teaching Fellows programme as an elementary school teacher in the Bronx.

NYCPS said Samuels’ early classroom experiences shaped his belief that ‘high expectations, meaningful support, and family partnership are essential to student success.’

Samuels went on to serve as principal of the Bronx Writing Academy (MS 323), followed by senior leadership roles in NYCPS central offices, including executive director of District School Design and senior director of Partnerships and Initiatives, NYCPS said.

In these positions, it said Samuels provided strategic guidance on school design and supported equitable access to high-quality academic programmes.

Dr Cassander Titley-O’Neal, a Virgin Islander and Director of the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPTVI), has been appointed as a Commissioner to the Sargasso Sea Commission by the Government of Bermuda. The appointment was authorised under the Hamilton Declaration, an agreement established following two years of negotiations among governments with interests in the Sargasso Sea region and high seas conservation.

The declaration was initially signed by the governments of the Azores, Bermuda, Monaco, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Virgin Islands later joined the agreement alongside the Bahamas, Canada and the Cayman Islands, with the Dominican Republic becoming the most recent signatory.

Titley-O’Neal said she welcomed the appointment and looked forward to contributing to the work of the body.

‘I am very pleased to have been appointed to this Commission. I look forward to beginning work, sharing my expertise and learning from my colleagues to achieve the Commission’s goals,’ she stated.

Titley-O’Neal holds a PhD in marine biology from the University of New Brunswick in Canada, a Master’s degree in applied marine science from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom, and a Bachelor’s degree in marine biology with a minor in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in the United States.

The Sargasso Sea Commission is comprised of independent international and local experts who serve three-year terms overseeing the stewardship, conservation, health, productivity and resilience of the high-seas ecosystem.