Category: CANA News

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Sunday that she is ‘not surprised at all’ that Caribbean politicians have been implicated in the illegal drugs trade.

In a statement posed on X, Persad-Bissessar said that she had been asked ‘about the US indictment against Maduro and whether I was surprised that Caribbean politicians were implicated.

‘I’m not surprised at all. As the story continues to unfold, I have no doubt that many ‘respectable’ and ‘celebrated’ people across all sectors of society will be exposed,’ she said.

She also re-posted on X, a Trinidad Express newspaper story regarding the indictment of Maduro that reads ‘So, too, were politicians along the ‘Caribbean route’ corrupted by cocaine traffickers, who would pay them for protection from arrest and to allow favoured traffickers to operate with impunity as they trafficked cocaine from Venezuela north towards the United States.

‘Thus, at every step-relying on the producers in Colombia, transporters and distributors in Venezuela, and recipients and re-distributors on transshipment points north-the traffickers enriched themselves and their corrupt benefactors who protected and aided them’.

Maduro, who along wih his wife, were captured after the United States military invaded the South American country last Saturday, is set to make his first appearance in a US federal court on Monday.

The Venezuelan president, is now awaiting trial in New York City on federal criminal charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy.

The proceeding is scheduled to take place at noon in the federal courthouse in Manhattan before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein.

Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was also seized by the U.S. military and also faces federal criminal charges, including conspiracy to import cocaine.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Saturday in a post on social media that Maduro and Flores ‘will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts.’

Prosecutors charged Maduro with federal crimes in 2020, during President Donald Trump’s first term.

In her statement, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, who has been a strong supporter of the US war on drugs in the region, said also ‘there is no crisis in Trinidad and Tobago.

‘Today, just like yesterday, was a normal day in Trinidad and Tobago. What happened in Venezuela has nothing to do with Trinidad and Tobago. Citizens, just like myself, went about our normal business. We are not involved, so citizens have no need to be bothered.’

She said that some persons may be ‘desperate to manufacture a crisis where there is none,’ adding ‘but to each his own.

‘As indicated previously, Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to renewed cooperation and the strengthening of our longstanding friendship with the people of Venezuela in the coming years and I wish them God’s guidance on their transition from oppression and dictatorship to democracy and prosperity.’

Persad-Bissessar said she was asked by the local media on Sunday about the Dragon Gas project ‘and I indicated that Dragon gas is the property of the Venezuelan people.

‘Whenever they choose a leader through free and fair democratic elections, that leader will make a decision on Dragon gas. Trinidad and Tobago does not covet Venezuelan property; we never have and we never will. We will work with what we possess and endeavour to build on it,’ she added.

Meanwhile, Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister, Sean Sobers, Sunday told a news conference that Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has not gone missing in action since US military action in Venezuela.

He told reporters at the headquarters of the ruling United National Congress (UNC) that any suggestion that the prime minister has failed to address Trinidad and Tobago directly about events leading up to and after Maduro’s capture, is not true.

‘The Prime Minister is on top of things. There is nothing to be worried about. The administration is in control,’ he said, adding that soon after Maduro’s detention by the United States, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar met with members of the National Security Council (NSC) and that this engagement continues.

Sobers could not say when or if Persad-Bissessar will address matters surrounding Maduro’s capture, but repeated Persad-Bissessar’s statements on January 3, about Trinidad and Tobago not being involved in the US military action which removed Maduro from power.

He dismissed any suggestion that Venezuela views Trinidad and Tobago as being complicit with the US in removing Maduro as president, saying ‘I don’t know at all that Venezuela considers Trinidad and Tobago complicit in anything.

‘That has never been said by any authority in Venezuela since yesterday,’ he said, dismissing also previous previous threats made by Venezuelan government officials against the country prior to the US action.

He said despite all the rhetoric, Trinidad and Tobago-Venezuela diplomatic ties remain intact and the country’s Embassy staff in Caracas are safe.

He said that all Trinidad and Tobago nationals resident in Venezuela or visiting there before January 3 have been accounted for.

‘There is no risk at all.’

Sobers said from very early, Persad-Bissessar has tactfully handled US-Venezuela tensions and how they impact on Trinidad and Tobago.

‘The Prime Minister has always been extremely diplomatic in her use of language as it pertains to the evolving position in Venezuela and will continue to do so,’ he said, defending the decision to hold the news conference at the headquarters of the UNC rather than a government office.

‘I don’t think the country is actually concerned with the medium or the location of the press conference,’ he said, adding that citizens would be more concerned ‘with the substance of the press conference.’

He told reporters that because the Venezuela situation is fluid and dynamic, information has to be carefully disseminated before it is shared with the public.

‘We don’t want to pronounce on matters that could cause a flurry of conversation that is not necessary at this point in time.’

Guyana is launching a sporting revolution, according to Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs.

The former Guyana spinner unveiled a sweeping five-year strategic plan that promises to radically reshape the nation’s athletic landscape through a wave of cutting-edge infrastructure projects.

‘The vision of our Administration, under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Irfan Ali, is clear: to invest in our people and deliver a world-class platform for future generations,’ Minister Jacobs declared.

The ambitious blueprint targets both regional development and international prestige.

Across the country, communities are set to benefit from new and upgraded venues, including the Anna Regina Stadium, the Bay Rock and New Amsterdam Synthetic Tracks, the McKenzie Stadium, and multipurpose facilities in Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

However, the plan’s most eye-catching elements are the flagship projects designed to put Guyana on the global sporting map.

These include a modern velodrome, a 15,000-seat indoor arena for major sports and entertainment events, a dedicated high-performance training centre for elite athletes, and a new national cricket academy at Albion to cultivate future stars.

‘As a former athlete, I know firsthand that talent needs the right environment to flourish,’ Jacobs stated. ‘By building these modern facilities, attracting international competitions, and focusing on skill development, we are giving our athletes the platform they deserve to excel on the world stage.’

A key component is the upcoming Palmyra facility in Region Six. Engineered with elite-standard fields and lighting, it is poised to become a hub for hosting major international tournaments.

Furthermore, the specialised badminton and table tennis facility at the Racket Centre will foster a dedicated ecosystem for racquet sports.

Minister Jacobs emphasised that this is far more than a construction agenda. ‘This is a strategic investment in our youth and our national pride,’ he said. ‘We are creating tangible opportunities, building talent from the ground up, and ensuring Guyana can compete with the best.’

After two seasons of near misses, the Desert Vipers have finally shed their tag of bridesmaids.

In a commanding display of skill and nerve, they defeated the Kieron Pollard-led MI Emirates by 46 runs to lift their first-ever International League T20 trophy here at a packed Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

The foundation of the victory was built with the bat, anchored superbly by captain Sam Curran. On a night demanding leadership, Curran played a masterful innings, remaining unbeaten on 74 from just 51 balls.

He provided the stability around which Max Holden, with 41 off 32 and Dan Lawrence, 23 off 15, could accelerate, powering the Vipers to a formidable total of 182 for 4.

It was a day when the Emirates found it difficult in the field, as Pollard used all of eight bowlers, including himself and fellow West Indian Romario Shepherd.

Shepherd was the most expensive in the innings, conceding 35 runs from his three overs. Pollard sent down one over of seam, which cost 11 runs.

The MI Emirates’ chase never found its rhythm, as the Vipers’ bowling attack was relentless from the first over, applying a stranglehold that never loosened.

They got the breakthrough in the third over when veteran West Indian opener Andre Fletcher, after hitting a six, fell for ten runs to the impressive Naseem Shah, who set the tone with a fiery spell of pace.

The Pakistani seamer ended up claiming three wickets for just 18 runs. Spinner Usman Tariq then tightened the screws in the crucial middle phase, conceding a mere 20 runs for his two wickets.

The final flourish came from left-arm seamer David Payne, who delivered a decisive, three-wicket over to shatter the Emirates’ lower order, finishing with figures of 3 for 42. The Emirates innings folded for 136 in 18.3 overs, as their resistance was comprehensively broken.

Pollard hit two fours in his run-a-ball 28, while Shepherd’s torrid match continued after he made just one run after facing two balls. Shakib Al Hasan was the innings’ top scorer with 36.

For the Vipers, this was a triumph of perseverance. Having fallen at the final hurdle in the previous two editions, they entered this season as the most consistent side and capped off the tournament with the coveted title.

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, carried out joint operations here on Saturday , with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the ministry’s Compliance Unit, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

During these operations, several undocumented individuals were processed, gold was seized, and the verification of persons of interest was successfully completed.

‘This initiative is a part of our ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and the trading of precious metals in our country,’ the ministry said in a statement.

‘The Government of Guyana maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining activities. We are committed to safeguarding our natural resources and ensuring compliance with all regulations governing the mining sector.’

The statement added that similar operations will be conducted across the country to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

‘We will continue to work diligently to protect our environment and uphold the rule of law in all mining operations. The cooperation displayed by our various agencies exemplifies our dedication to this cause, and we urge the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining and trading.’

On Friday, President Irfaan Ali said gold miners who fail to declare their production will face immediate consequences, including deregistration, prosecution, and possible expulsion as the government intensifies its crackdown on illegal and non-compliant mining operations.

‘All registered dredges with no declaration will be deregistered, and all foreign miners operating illegally in Guyana must be identified for prosecution and expulsion,’ Ali said.

Guyana last year set a target of 500,000 ounces of gold and according to a government statement, Ali directed that immediate action be taken to ensure that all gold miners fully comply with their obligations to declare all gold produced in 2025.

Ali, who met with senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Friday, said special attention is focused on some Brazilian miners whose declarations are very low or absent.

According to a government statement, the Natural Resources ministry and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) will work together to ensure all miners across every category (small, medium and large) are properly registered and have a local bank account.

The police have confirmed the arrest of a medical doctor over a recent shooting incident.

According to the police, he ( the doctor) ‘is in police custody at the Roseau Police Station, being investigated for an incident that occurred in his doctor’s office in Pottersville on January 2, involving a gunshot injury to a young lady who is still a patient at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) receiving urgent medical attention and procedural treatment.

‘He (the doctor), who is a specialist surgeon attached to the DCFH, is expected to be charged and taken before the Roseau Magistrate Court on Monday.

The WICB Women’s T20 Championship ignited with commanding performances on home soil and a spectacular individual century as St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada opened their campaigns with decisive victories here on Sunday. In the tournament’s opening match, the host nation, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, secured a confident six-wicket win over St. Lucia.

Asked to bat first, St. Lucia posted 117 for 9 from their 20 overs, with Ashlene Edwards providing the backbone of the innings with a top score of 36.

Namiah Marcellin contributed 21, but her stay was ended by the incisive bowling of Tracy Byran, who finished with excellent figures of 3 for 19.

The Vincentian reply was anchored by a superb match-winning knock from West Indies batter Jannillea Glasgow.

Her fluent 60 steered the chase with authority, ably supported by Shannel Mackie’s composed, unbeaten 26.

The hosts reached their target of 118 with eight balls to spare, finishing on 118 for 4 in 18.4 overs to the delight of the local supporters.

The day’s second game, however, was utterly dominated by one player: Grenada’s veteran West Indies all-rounder Afy Fletcher.

After Grenada found themselves in a spot of trouble at 26 for 2 in the sixth over, Fletcher produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting.

She blasted a magnificent 116 from just 66 deliveries, an innings punctuated by 14 ferocious fours and four towering sixes, single-handedly propelling her side to a formidable 182 for 4.

Shell-shocked, Dominica had no answer with the bat. Their innings never gained momentum, and they were bundled out for a meagre 68, handing Grenada a colossal 114-run victory.

The action continues at Arnos Vale Stadium on Monday, with the hosts looking to build on their winning start against Dominica and Grenada, riding a wave of momentum following their explosive entrance into the championship, when they face St. Lucia.

Restrictions that temporarily barred U.S. airlines from operating in parts of the Caribbean and South American airspace were lifted early Sunday, allowing flights to resume after a day of widespread disruptions.

The limits followed multiple Notices to Airmen issued Friday by the Federal Aviation Administration, citing safety risks linked to military activity in Venezuela across the Curacao, Maiquetia, Piarco and San Juan flight information regions.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said late Saturday that the restrictions expired at midnight Eastern Time and that airlines were clearing backlogs.

He also advised travelers to check directly with carriers as schedules were updated.

United Airlines said it was preparing to resume Caribbean flights, beginning with service to San Juan, Puerto Rico, after hundreds of cancellations at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport on Saturday.

The airline expects to operate most scheduled flights Sunday and plans additional services to assist affected passengers.

JetBlue also began restoring service and said it may add extra flights.

The carrier said about 215 flights were canceled during the disruption and urged customers to monitor flight status online or through its mobile app.

Meanwhile, in Europe, a conflict-zone advisory for Venezuelan airspace issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency remained in effect, but Dutch carrier KLM said it would operate scheduled flights Sunday after canceling services to several Caribbean destinations a day earlier.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela’ with the US military’s reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This is according to Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah .

‘He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant,’ posted Lee on X, formerly Twitter, early Saturday after he said he spoke directly with Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who migrated to Miami.

‘This action likely falls within the president’s inherent authority under Article II of the Constitution to protect US personnel from an actual or imminent attack,’ he added, stating that Rubio ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela now that Maduro is in US custody.’.

Lee had earlier expressed skepticism about the US military action.

‘I look forward to learning what, if anything, might constitutionally justify this action in the absence of a declaration of war or authorization for the use of military force,’ he wrote on X early Saturday.

In confirming US military strikes on Venezuela early Saturday, US President Donald J. Trump wrote on his social media network, Truth Social, that Maduro and his wife were ‘captured and flown out of the country.

‘The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader,’ he wrote.

‘This operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement,’ Trump added. ‘Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today (Saturday).’

Trump described the US military operation as ‘brilliant.’

‘A lot of good planning and lot of great, great troops and great people,’ he told the New York Times tersely. ‘It was a brilliant operation, actually.’

But Arizona Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego, a US Marine Corps veteran, who was deployed to Iraq, characterized US strikes in Venezuela as ‘illegal.’

‘This war is illegal,’ he wrote on X early Saturday, adding that it was the ‘second unjustified war in my life time.’

Both Democratic and Republican legislators have been expressing profound alarm over Trump’s escalating military build-up in the Caribbean Sea under the pretext of combatting narco-trafficking.

Trump administration officials have reported that over 125 people have been killed in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean since the US military attacks began on alleged drug-trafficking vessels in early September.

US Senator Peter Welch of Verment has expressed deep concern over Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops, warships, and fighter jets to the region.

Welch emphasized in his speech on the US Senate floor that Congress must assert its authority under the War Powers Act before the United States takes further unauthorized military action.

The senator criticized the Trump administration for not providing Congress with enough information about recent military strikes and demanded more transparency and accountability.

President Dr Irfaan Ali Saturday said Guyana has activated its ‘security architecture’ after the United States bombed several military and other sites in Venezuela.

‘We have activated our security plan to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana,’ Ali told reporters, adding ‘he security architecture is fully active. ‘The Guyana Defence Force and the security forces are monitoring the situation and Guyanese should be reassured that the government is working to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.’

President Ali said the the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, has also been updated on the developments and that the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan has been in contact with other security partners in the region.

‘I will share information as it becomes available. Our entire security architecture and posture has been activated all morning,’ he said.

Ali said efforts were being made to hold an emergency summit of leaders of the CARICOM.

President Ali said he has spoken to ExxonMobil Guyana’s President, Alistair Routledge, concerning ExxonMobil’s operations offshore Guyana where almost one million barrels of oil per day is being produced.

‘They have been alerted and we’re working together,’ he said.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has since declared a state of emergency over what his government called an ‘extremely serious military aggression’ by the United States on the capital Caracas.

Multiple explosions, accompanied by sounds resembling aircraft flyovers, were heard around the city.

‘Venezuela rejects, repudiates, and denounces before the international community the extremely serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against Venezuelan territory and people,’ the Venezuelan government said.

Maduro has also called on the country’s forces to mobilise, condemning what he called an ‘imperialist attack’ on Venezuela.

Maduro said in a statement that civilians and the army had been jointly deployed to safeguard national sovereignty and public order, describing the move as a unified effort involving the people, the military and the police.

He said the government would lodge formal complaints with the United Nations Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Non-Aligned Movement, seeking international condemnation of the United States.

The US government has offered a US$50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Maduro, whom it describes as a narco-terrorist and a key leader in the suspected narco-terrorist organisation, Cartel de Los Soles.

leaders met early on Saturday to discuss the United States invasion of Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

A brief statement issued by the CARICOM Secretariat said that the 15-member regional integration grouping ‘is actively monitoring the situation which is of grave concern to the Region with possible implications for neighbouring countries.

‘CARICOM will continue to update the people of the region as more information is received,’ the two paragraph statement added.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Saturday said that Trinidad and Tobago did not participate in the United States military action against Venezuela leading to Washington’s claim that President Nicolas Maduro has been captured and taken out of the country.

‘Earlier this morning, Saturday, 3rd January 2026, the United States commenced military operations within the territory of Venezuela. Trinidad and Tobago is NOT a participant in any of these ongoing military operations,’ Persad-Bissessar said in a statement posted on X.