Category: CANA News

St. Kitts and Nevis Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas, says as chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), he is prepared to ‘coordinate any collective action aimed at achieving a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to the challenges’ in Venezuela.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in calling for ‘peace, adherence to the rule of law as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, and respect for the fundamental rights of all parties involved,’ said that it remains in contact with the Chargé d’ Affaires at the Venezuelan Embassy here ‘for routine updates on the ground in Venezuela and the developments in the judicial process in the United States’.

Last Saturday, the United States military invaded Venezuela and seized President Nicolas Maduro on allegations of being involved in the illegal drugs trade.

Maduro and his wife, appeared in a Federal Court in New York on Monday, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The matter has been adjourned March 17 this year.

The 25 page indictment accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. They could face life in prison if convicted.

The St. Kitts and Nevis government said it wanted to express its grave concern regarding the developments in Venezuela and is urging ‘all parties involved to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.

‘We remain deeply engaged in monitoring the fluid situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and its neighbours and reaffirm our steadfast hope for the safety and well-being of the Venezuelan people. In this light, we express our regret for the loss of lives related to the extraction of President Maduro and his wife from their home in Caracas,’ said the twin island Federation, whose Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, is also the chairman of the 15-member CARICOM grouping.

‘As Chair of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), the Right Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs offers his readiness to coordinate any collective action aimed at achieving a diplomatic and peaceful resolution to the challenges,’ the government said.

In a statement issued last weekend and repeated during the meeting of the OAS, CARICOM leaders reiterated a call for ‘peaceful dialogue’ to ensure stability in Venezuela.

‘CARICOM is firmly committed to the fundamental principles of international law and multilateralism enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and respect for human dignity.

‘The Region reiterates its call for peaceful dialogue through diplomatic channels to ensure Venezuela’s stability, good governance, democracy and prosperity for the people of Venezuela,’ the regional leaders said, adding that ‘CARICOM remains ready to support all such efforts, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect’.

President Donald Trump has said that his administration intends to ‘run’ Venezuela from Washington.

The road to the 2026 World Cup begins in earnest for the Reggae Boyz this month, with newly appointed Head Coach Rudolph Speid confirming a January 18 international friendly against Grenada. The match will be held at the Kirani James Stadium in St. George’s.

In his first public comments outlining the team’s preparation, Coach Speid emphasised the importance of the fixture for his domestic-based talent.

‘This is a friendly international. We look at this as important for our domestic-based players to get international exposure,’ Speid stated.

The Grenada clash is the first confirmed step in a planned series of warm-up games. The coach revealed the federation is actively pursuing more opportunities.

‘We are working now on opportunities to pursue other friendlies. We would like to have one in February. When these and other matches are confirmed, we will make an announcement.’

Immediate preparations are underway, with a training camp starting today and running through Friday. A second camp is scheduled for next week ahead of the squad’s departure. The final travelling roster will be named at a later date.

The ultimate goal for these preparations is clear, as the team fine-tune itself for the critical FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs in March.

Jamaica’s first hurdle is New Caledonia. Should they advance, a daunting tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo awaits.

Speid took the opportunity to personally scout the Congolese team at the recent AFCON championships and came away impressed.

‘This Congo team is interesting, how they play. They are a good team. What is more significant, they have plenty of good players who play in the top 20 leagues in the world. So just to give you an idea of how strong their team is.’

The firsthand viewing, he said, was invaluable. ‘Watching that team on TV is different from watching them in person. There are a lot of things that you don’t see, and it was really good to watch them in person.’

While the distant challenge of Congo is noted, Speid’s focus remains on the immediate building process. Formulating a specific plan for such an opponent, he admitted, will take time.

‘Over the next couple of months, we haven’t decided yet what the tactic or plan is. But we’re working on it.’

Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are the only two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries named by the United States whose citizens will now have to post a bond of up to US$15,000 when applying for a visa to enter the North American country.

The US State Department said that the measure come sinto effect from January 21, this year and the only other Caribbean country named is Cuba. The majority of the countries whose citizens would need to post the bond are from Africa.

‘Any citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview,’ the State Department said in a statement.

‘The applicant must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. Applicants must agree to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of place of application,’ it added.

It said that the applicants should submit Form I-352 to post a bond only after a consular officer directs them to do so.

(Details in Full News section)

Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica are the only two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries named by the United States whose citizens will now have to post a bond of up to US$15,000 when applying for a visa to enter the North American country.

The US State Department said that the measure comes into effect from January 21, this year and the only other Caribbean country named is Cuba. The majority of the countries whose citizens would need to post the bond are from Africa.

‘Any citizen or national traveling on a passport issued by one of these countries, who is found otherwise eligible for a B1/B2 visa, must post a bond for $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000. The amount is determined at the time of the visa interview,’ the State Department said in a statement.

‘The applicant must also submit a Department of Homeland Security Form I-352. Applicants must agree to the terms of the bond through the Department of the Treasury’s online payment platform Pay.gov. This requirement applies regardless of place of application,’ it added.

It said that the applicants should submit Form I-352 to post a bond only after a consular officer directs them to do so.

‘Applicants will receive a direct link to pay through Pay.gov. They must not use any third-party website for posting the bond. The U.S. Government is not responsible for any money paid outside of its systems,’ the State Department said, adding that ‘a bond does not guarantee visa issuance.

‘If someone pays fees without a consular officer’s direction, the fees will not be returned,’ the State Department said, adding that ‘as a condition of the bond, all visa holders who have posted a visa bond must enter and exit the United States through the designated ports of entry.

‘Not doing this might lead to a denied entry or a departure that is not properly recorded,’ it said, naming the port of entries as Boston Logan International Airport , John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport.

The State Department said that in a case where the visa bond terms have been broken, the Department of Homeland Security will send these cases to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to determine if there was a breach’.

‘It includes, but is not limited to, these situations: The Department of Homeland Security records indicate that the visa holder departed from the United States after the date to which he or she is authorized to stay in the United States. The visa holder stays in the United States after the date to which he or she is authorized to do so and does not leave. The visa holder applies to adjust out of nonimmigrant status, including claiming asylum.’

Last December, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica had issued statements indicating that the United States had agreed to suspend its proclamation that would have prevented citizens from the wo countries from entering the North American country from January 1 this year.

The leaders of the two countries had indicated that following discussions with the United States officials at the embassy in Barbados as well as the State Department in Washington, an agreement had been reached to suspend the proclamation that had been announced on December 16 by President Donald Trump.

‘I would like to thank the United States government itself for understanding the situation and agreeing to set aside for the time being the proclamation.and so this is good news. The anxieties that we all would have should be set aside,’ Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit had said, adding that Roseau was looking forward to continuing the good relations it has enjoyed with Washington in the past.

The Antigua and Barbuda government said that a similar suspension had been afforded to its nationals

‘This applies to all visa categories, including B-1, B-2, J, and M visas,’ said Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, adding that ‘for the avoidance of doubt, this includes tourist, business, student, and other valid United States-issued visas.

‘Second, there will be no revocation of any existing visas issued to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda prior to 31 December 2025,’ he said in a statement.

He said with regard to new visa applications submitted after January 1, 2026 ‘these will be subject to new arrangements that are still to be worked out with several Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda.

The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to ensure the restoration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, following last Saturday’s military invasion of Venezuela by the United States and the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife on drug related charges.

The PNP is also calling on the Jamaica government to ‘stand up for and unequivocally support’ the ‘well-established principles which have long guided Jamaica’s stance and reputation in international affairs’.

In its statement, the PNP said that in keeping with the Charter of the United Nations as the source of world peace and stability, it wanted to reassert its ‘commitment to a system of rule-based governance of international relations, in which the use of force is kept strictly within the limits permitted by international law. ‘We uphold each nation’s right to self-determination, and to autonomy over its natural resources, even as we encourage adherence to democratic norms and the protection of human rights.

‘We recognize that the use of force to effect regime change or to secure other political or economic interests in the Caribbean threatens our region’s peace and security, and risks broader conflict and the further descent into a more dangerous and insecure world, to the common detriment of mankind.’

The PNP said that it is also reasserting that smaller nations ‘must of necessity rely on and stand by the rule of international law to protect our independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests, and must join in collective solidarity to preserve our common interests by steadfastly upholding these principles.

‘The PNP affirms that this moment requires Caricom to similarly reassert its commitment to these principles and to the restoration of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, recognizing that these principles have been the firm foundation on which our regional organization has operated for many years, to our mutual benefit and in furtherance of our mutual interests,’ it said.

Last weekend, the United States military invaded Venezuela and seized President Nicolas Maduro on allegations of being involved in the illegal drugs trade.

Maduro and his wife, appeared in a Federal Court in New York on Monday, where they both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The matter has been adjourned March 17 this year.

The 25 page indictment accuses Maduro and others of working with drug cartels to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. They could face life in prison if convicted.

Both the United Nations Security Council and the Organization of American States (OAS) met this week against a sharply altered diplomatic backdrop, with membe countries split over whether Washington’s move upholds accountability, or undermines a foundational principle of international order

Some delegations argue the action was exceptional and justified; others warn it risks normalising unilateral force and eroding state sovereignty.

The United States rejected characterisations of its actions as military aggression, describing the operation as a targeted law enforcement measure facilitated by the military to arrest an indicted fugitive.

In a statement issued last weekend and repeated during the meeting of the OAS, CARICOM leaders reiterated a call for ‘peaceful dialogue’ to ensure stability in Venezuela.

‘CARICOM is firmly committed to the fundamental principles of international law and multilateralism enshrined in the UN Charter, including sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and respect for human dignity.

‘The Region reiterates its call for peaceful dialogue through diplomatic channels to ensure Venezuela’s stability, good governance, democracy and prosperity for the people of Venezuela,’ the regional leaders said, adding that ‘CARICOM remains ready to support all such efforts, in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect’.

President Donald Trump has said that his administration intends to ‘run’ Venezuela from Washington.

In a major boost for the West Indies’ T20 World Cup ambitions, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that star fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are on track to be fully fit for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka.

The update comes directly from CWI’s Head of Medical Panel, Dr Donovan Bennett, who provided an overwhelmingly positive assessment on Tuesday, particularly regarding Shamar Joseph’s recovery from a shoulder injury.

‘The latest that I saw on Shamar is that he is fit and ready to go,’ Dr Bennett stated. ‘He was bowling pretty fast, in the 140s (kph) without any discomfort.’

This news concludes a nervous period for West Indies fans, as Shamar has been sidelined since September, missing the Test tour of India and the ongoing ODI series against Bangladesh.

His recovery, which included a specialist consultation in England, has proven successful.

While slightly behind in his rehabilitation, Alzarri Joseph, who missed the India Tests with a lower-back issue, is also progressing well.

‘Alzarri has resumed return-to-play protocols and is currently hitting his required fitness targets,’ Dr Bennett confirmed, adding, ‘Based on what I am seeing, both of them should be ready for the World Cup.’

Both bowlers last played competitively in September 2025, and their return significantly strengthens the Caribbean attack ahead of the global showpiece.

CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow revealed that a provisional squad has been selected, with the final 15-man party to be ratified after the West Indies’ T20I series against Afghanistan in India from January 18-22.

The team will then fine-tune preparations with a three-match T20I tour of South Africa in late January.

The two-time champions will begin their World Cup campaign in Kolkata on February 7 against Bangladesh. They are placed in Group C alongside England, Nepal, and Italy.

The Trinidad and Tobago government Wednesday said it welcomed the announcement by Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Ltd, the oil and gas exploration and production company, of the successful drilling of the Carapal Ridge-3 Development Well.

Touchstone Exploration (Trinidad) Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Canadian-based Touchstone Exploration Inc and is currently the largest independent onshore oil and natural gas producer in Trinidad, with a proven track record of growth since being founded in 2010.

Energy and Energy Industries Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal said this development well was the first to be drilled within the onshore Central Block since 2006.

The ministry said that Carapal Ridge-3 was drilled to a depth of 8,200 ft and successfully penetrated the target Hererra sands which were found to be gas bearing. It said completion operations and testing of these sands are currently underway with production from this well expected to be tied into the Central Block gas processing facility during the first quarter of this year.

‘Carapal Ridge-3 also discovered gas charged Karamat sands which are being evaluated as a standalone prospect for potential development,’ the ministry said, adding that since acquiring the Central Block in May 2025, Touchstone has evaluated the remaining resources resulting in their decision to drill Carapal Ridge-3.

It said three other development opportunities are being evaluated for development drilling incorporating the learnings from Carapal Ridge-3.

‘The successful drilling supports Government’s thrust to bring much needed Natural Gas to market. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries looks forward to continued collaboration with Touchstone and other operators to develop and grow our energy sector for the benefit of the citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,’ the statement said.

Justice Ana C. Reyes will on Wednesday continue hearing arguments over the decision of the Department of Homeland Security’ (DHS) to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti, stripping lawful status and work authorisation for more than 350,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States.

TPS allows immigrants from designated countries to stay in the US for up to 18 months when conditions like armed conflict make it unsafe to return. But the DHS under the Donald Trump administration has voided 12 designations for 11 countries including Haiti, resulting in lawsuits.

The District Court for the District of Columbia case is one of multiple legal challenges to the DHS’s termination of TPS for Haiti.

Last year, a New York judge blocked the DHS from removing TPS protections early for Haitians in the US. However, the HDS issued a Federal Register notice that it would remove protections when they’re set to expire in February, arguing that conditions had improved enough in the country to remove protections.

At the start of the hearing on Tuesday, Justice Reyes questioned intensely lawyers for the government on how Haitian immigrants targeted for removal from the US could safely return to a country deemed unsafe for travel by the government.

She noted that Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had identified ‘immediate security challenges’ in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country last year.

‘Can you explain to me how it’s safe to return to a country or live in a country when it’s not even safe to fly into that country?’ the judge noted as she noted that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had prohibited civilian US aircraft from operating in portions of Haitian airspace because of the security forces’ inability to prevent attacks from criminal groups.

The attorney for the Justice Department, Dhruman Sampat, said he wasn’t a foreign policy expert in response to the judge’s query on air travel as Justice Reyes responded by saying ‘I’m just asking as a matter of logic.’

She also questioned why it’s a national interest to remove Haitians with the government arguing that the secretary has broad discretion to make determinations of the national interest that can’t be reviewed by the courts.

Justice Reyes asked whether Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, could decide it’s in the national interest to remove Haitians because she ‘doesn’t like vanilla ice cream’ with Sampat responding by saying it could be a possible economic consideration for a decision.

‘Listen to yourself. I understand you’re in a tough spot, but just take a breath and listen to yourself,’ Justice Reyes said, noting before adjourning that her critiques of government attorneys have generated significant press coverage.

She added that counsel for DHS had done a ‘phenomenally good job’ in the hearing that is continuing on Wednesday.

Magistrate Ruschelle Liverpool Wednesday remanded the 24-year-old ex-girlfriend of a Linden businessman who was gunned down while waiting to pick up his daughter, to prison until February 16 after she was charged with his murder.

Shania Benjamin, who made her appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Court via Zoom, was not required to enter a plea when she appeared in court charged with the murder of 27-year-old Amar Jones on December 30.

Benjamin was arrested hours after the killing and has been in custody since then. The two are the parents of a child and media reports said that despite no longer being together, they would find themselves in many arguments.

On the day of the incident, the man had made arrangements to pick up the child and informed the ex-girlfriend of the area he was waiting. Moments later, eyewitnesses said, a white car pulled up in front of the man’s truck and a young man emerged from the car and fired several gunshots at Jones as he sat in his truck.

He attempted to reverse from the area but was hit twice to the head.

The police have not released any details on the main suspect that the media here say is the current boyfriend of the accused.

Police said that the car that is believed to have been used in the commission of the crime has been found.

Grenada Wednesday sought to reassure international partners, travelers, and the global community that the Caribbean island is a safe, secure, and desired destination for residents and visitors alike.

The Dickon Mitchell government was responding to the latest travel advisory issued by the United States increasing to level 2 and urging potential travellers to use increased caution due to the risk of crime.

‘Violent crime can occur anywhere in Grenada. American citizens in Grenada have been victims of armed robbery, assault, burglary, and rape. In some cases, American citizens have been killed. Police response times are not as fast as one may expect in the United States,’ the US Department of State said in its advisory on Tuesday.

But the Grenada government said that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country continues to enjoy ‘a strong record of public safety, social stability, and effective law enforcement.

‘Grenada has long been home to a significant and vibrant population of United States citizens, many of whom live, work, study, and invest in our tri-island state. These individuals are valued members of our communities and benefit from the same security protections and public services as all nationals and residents,’ the government said in a statement.

‘Their presence is a testament to the confidence placed in Grenada’s quality of life, safety, and governance and historical people-to-people ties with the United States. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of visitors travel to Grenada annually, enjoying our renowned hospitality, rich culture, and world-class tourism offerings.’

The government said Grenada consistently ranks among the safest countries in the region, with an exceptionally low crime rate, approximately four incidents per 100,000 people.

‘This reflects the nation’s strong commitment to public safety, proactive policing, and community engagement. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a secure environment that supports Grenada’s reputation as a peaceful and welcoming destination.’

The government said furthermore, the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) maintains ‘robust systems for rapid response to any concerns and demonstrates strong crime solvency and institutional capacity to ensure continued public safety.

‘These capabilities underscore Grenada’s readiness and ability to safeguard the interests of all who call our nation home or choose to visit,’ the government said, reiterating that it treats ‘the safety and security of all who live in or visit our shores as a national priority.

‘Through close collaboration among law enforcement agencies, ongoing investment in public safety infrastructure, and strong regional and international partnerships.’

The government said that Grenada continues to proactively address security concerns and uphold the highest standards of protection for nationals and visitors alike.

‘Our National Security authorities maintain open lines of communication and continued security cooperation with international partners, including the United States.’

The Mitchell government said that as a premier tourism destination, Grenada remains fully committed to providing a secure, enjoyable, and enriching experience for travellers.

‘Our tourism sector operates under robust safety protocols, and our communities are known for their warmth, friendliness, and respect for visitors. These qualities have earned Grenada its reputation as a destination where travelers feel safe, welcomed and genuinely at home. Grenada remains open, safe, and ready to welcome the world’.

The US Level 2 rating for Grenada is viewed as being ‘relatively low’ as the State Department’s advisories range from Level 1, for those with low risks of various factors like crime or unrest, to Level 4, which is given to countries the department advises Americans not to travel to under any circumstances.

The department’s travel advisories for the Caribbean vary with some like Barbados, and Dominica listed as Level 1 countries, while the Bahamas is listed as a Level 2 country.