Category: CANA News

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley Saturday described as ‘uncharted territory’ the events that unfolded in Venezuela over the last few hours resulting in the invasion by United States military of the South American country and the detainment of President Nicolas Maduro, who now faces drugs and terrorism charges in the United States.

Mottley told a news conference that she had been in contact with fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders as well as the CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett from early on Saturday morning leading to an urgent meeting of the leaders. She said that the meeting took place just before dawn ‘and at that stage we recognised it was too early for us to make any defining comment and that is still the position because as we speak matters are unfolding every half hour to an hour.

‘You are aware of the statements being made by different players with the President of the United States .to others,’ she said, noting that ‘where Barbados becomes affected it is on a number of areas’.

She told reporters that this is why Bridgetown has repeated on numerous occasions ‘that small states can only survive in the international rules based order and for us we have always said that conflict would have consequences’

President Donald Trump says the US is going to ‘run’ Venezuela ‘until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition. He sad US oil companies will fix Venezuela’s ‘broken infrastructure’ and ‘start making money for the country’.,

But in an address on state television, Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez says Maduro is the country’s only president even as Trump had earlier shared a photo he said was of Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima. The image shows him blindfolded and wearing ear defenders.

Maduro has been indicted in New York on drug and weapons charges. He has previously denied being the leader of drug cartel despite the US placing a ransom of US$50 million on his head. Venezuela has declared a national emergency, denouncing ‘extremely serious military aggression’.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has been the CARICOM leader most vocal in support of Washington’s claim to fight the illegal drugs trade in the region, issue yet another statement on Saturday saying her country ‘looks forward to renewed cooperation and the strengthening of our longstanding friendship with the people of Venezuela in the coming years.

‘May God guide and protect them as they transition away from years of oppression and dictatorship onto a new pathway toward democracy, justice and prosperity,’ she said, after having earlier distanced Port of Spain from any involvement in the military action in Caracas.

Mottley told reporters that both Venezuela and the United States are ‘our friend’ and that in both instances we have family relationships with both countries.

‘By the same token the Caribbean Community has been the entity we have chosen as a matter of first principles to align our foreign policy with. When the heads of governments met this morning, all of the persons were not there because it was an emergency early meeting.

‘We took a decision that we will wait for other information to become present and when that happens we will certainly act collectively and I do not want in any way to prejudice the integrity of that consultative process with CARICOM.

‘Having said that I have been very clear that our principles are very very clear and that small states.can only survive in an international rules based order and that therefore anything that happens that run contrary to that would be of grave concern to us as a people in Barbados, but equally as to the region.

‘So without prejudice I will await any further consultation on the specifics of this incident, but I just share with you the principles that mean a lot to us beyond the normal international law of principles,’ she told reporters.

She reiterated that any statement from Bridgetown now would be just ‘conjecture’ urging reporters ‘to allow the events of the next few days to play out .

‘There are perspectives as to what have transpired in Venezuela that I suspect will continue to play out in the next few days. So I don’t think we are in a position to offer any meaningful commentary at this stage, what I can say is we are dealing with he consequences of a conflict and the consequences of the conflict have been exceedingly disruptive..

She said that while President Trump had indicated that there could e a second strike on strike ‘by the same token we are hoping and praying that there will be a de-escalation of any such conflict because as I have said over and over escalation of conflict and war does not serve any one’s interest

Barbados has always held the position where there can be dialogue, where there can be conversation, let s have it and et us see where we can find a common place,’ she said, adding ‘the truth is that’s why the UN system also exist and I fully anticiipate that they too will have to have a ventilation of these issues.

‘But at the same time wherever you started in this argument and to the perspective as to who is right and who is wrong, ;et us end up today.saying we praying for no further escalation. In fact we pray for de-escalation and we pray for dialogue.

‘We are now facing first hand how conflict can affect just not lives, but livelihoods in the southern and eastern Caribbean.and while Barbados is not the closest to Venezuela, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are, Grenada and St. Vincent and Barbados are the next line of countries.and among those five, Barbados perhaps has the biggest logistics hub for tourism’

Mottley tod reporters that as a result of the US military action a number of disruptions took place primarily with respect to Barbados’ airspace, with planes coming from the US being affected.

She said Barbados was affected by all registered US flights ‘and it is fair to say there were 13 inbound flights that were cancelled,’ adding that the Dutch airline, KLM and other flights were also affected.

‘For the most part, regional air travel continue to operate even though there is a tenuous situation and people are watching it because in some instances they may be affected by the closure of San Juan.

She said that the National Security Council of Barbados met this afternoon pointing out that Barbados is the closest hub to Venezuela in terms of tourism and as a result, the island would ‘inevitably be affected’.

She said efforts are being made to accommodate passengers who were due to fly out to Venezuela on Saturday.

‘We anticipate that this situation will remain fluid.and barring no new unforeseen circumstances in Venezuela that hopefully we can get back to some level of stability as soon as possible.

She said cruise ships were also being affected by the situation.

Mottley said that she had spoken to the Barbados ambassador in Venezuela, Aquinas Clarke, early on Saturday ‘and mercifully he has a military background and is not fazed .

‘There is no reports of any injuries to any Barbadians in Venezuela and for that we are grateful and we will continue to stay engaged with him’.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has expressed grave alarm over the escalating conflict in Venezuela following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. ‘The Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in Venezuela, culminating with today’s United States military action in the country, which has potential worrying implications for the region,’ said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General in a statement.

‘Independently of the situation in Venezuela, these developments constitute a dangerous precedent,’ he warned. ‘The Secretary-General continues to emphasize the importance of full respect – by all – of international law, including the UN Charter.

‘He’s deeply concerned that the rules of international law have not been respected,’ added Dujarric, stating that Guterres ‘calls on all actors in Venezuela to engage in inclusive dialogue, in full respect of human rights and the rule of law.’

With Saturday’s US military airstrikes in Venezuela and the reported capture of Maduro, Venezuela has requested an urgent United Nations’ Security Council meeting.

‘No cowardly attack will prevail against the strength of this people, who will emerge victorious,’ said Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto in a letter to the Council.

Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has also called for emergency meetings of the UN and the Organization of American States (OAS).

‘The Government of Colombia rejects any unilateral military action that could worsen the situation or put the civilian population at risk,’ said Petro in several posts on X, formerly Twitter, adding that Colombia would ‘adopt a position aimed at preserving regional peace.’

He called for ‘urgent de-escalation’ of the conflict, ‘urging all involved parties to abstain from actions that deepen confrontation, and to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic channels.’

Earlier on Saturday, US Senator Mike Lee said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed him that he ‘anticipates no further action in Venezuela’ with the US military’s reported capture of Maduro.

‘He informed me that Nicolás Maduro has been arrested by US personnel to stand trial on criminal charges in the United States, and that the kinetic action we saw tonight was deployed to protect and defend those executing the arrest warrant,’ posted Lee on X, formerly Twitter, 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, 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.’

Shortly afterwards, the US President 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 Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), 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.’

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.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said his government is demanding ‘immediate proof of life from the government of President Donald Trump regarding the lives of President Maduro and the first lady,’ Cilia Flores.

While announcing a state of emergency, the Venezuelan government has also urged nationals to take to the streets in protesting the US military strikes.

‘People to the streets!’ demanded the government in a statement early Saturday. ‘The Bolivarian Government calls on all social and political forces in the country to activate mobilization plans and repudiate this imperialist attack.’

Meanwhile, some major US airlines have cancelled flights to parts of the region after the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) restricted them from flying to some Caribbean islands and territories.

American Airlines said in a statement that it was ‘aware of the airspace closures in the Eastern Caribbean that were issued in the middle of the night and is closely monitoring the situation with the FAA.

‘We are making schedule adjustments as necessary with the safety and security of our customers and team members top of mind,’ it added.

JetBlue also said that it has canceled over 200 flights ‘due to airspace closures across the Caribbean related to military activity.’

JetBlue however said flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were not impacted by the FAA prohibition.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says a four-year-old child was shot and killed and two teenage girls, including a Canadian national, are nursing gunshot wounds as a result of separate incidents of illegal gun salutes heralding the new year.

The JCF said that the incidents occurred ‘despite repeated warnings’ from the police ‘against the dangerous and unlawful practice’. The JCF said that a 13-year-old Canadian national who was visiting relatives was standing on a balcony at a residence in Portmore, St. Catherine, south east of here, observing New Year’s fireworks celebrations when she was struck by bullets.

‘Moments after midnight, loud explosions were heard, after which the teen felt sharp pains to her thigh and back. She was assisted to hospital, where she has been admitted in stable condition,’ the JCF said.

It said in the other incident, a 14-year-old girl was also injured while sitting beneath a tree in the capital, Kingston.

‘The teen reported feeling a burning sensation to her shoulder, after which it was discovered that she had been shot. She was also taken to hospital for treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.’

The JCF said that it ‘strongly condemns this reckless and irresponsible behaviour, once again emphasizing that gun salutes are illegal, extremely dangerous, and pose a serious threat to innocent lives.

‘These incidents underscore the real and devastating consequences of discharging firearms indiscriminately,’ the JCF said, adding that investigations into both shootings are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a four-year-old child has died after being shot during a deadly firefight between gunmen and the police in St James, north west of here on New Year’s Day.

‘Two armed men were fatally shot and a high-powered rifle seized during a confrontation with the police,’ the JCF said in a statement, adding that the incident took place as members of the security forces acted on intelligence and reports of illegal gun salutes despite repeated public warnings against the practice.

The police said preliminary information indicates that a group of individuals had gathered in the community and were in possession of prohibited firearms, allegedly with the intention of conducting illegal gun salutes.

‘On the arrival, the security forces came under gunfire from armed individuals in the area. The police took evasive action and returned fire in keeping with their training and the prevailing threat. When the situation was brought under control, two male individuals were found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. They were later pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

‘During this incident, a four-year-old child sustained gunshot injuries and later succumbed to those injuries while receiving medical treatment. A 68-year-old woman was also injured and treated,’ the JCF said, extending ‘sincere condolences to the family of the child and expresses deep regret at the loss of this young life’.

The police recalled that in the lead-up to the New Year, repeated public advisories were issued by both the JCF and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), warning against the use of illegal firearms and the practice of celebratory gunfire.

‘These warnings highlighted the grave danger such actions pose to innocent lives, particularly children and other vulnerable persons. The JCF reiterates its appeal to members of the public to reject gun salutes and to cooperate with law enforcement by providing information on illegal firearms and criminal activity.’

Governor General Dame Susan Dougan, the first women ever to be appointed head of state in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, says she will step down on Monday, January 5, ending 50 years of public service.

‘I am also pleased to say that I demit office on the 5th of January, so it is indeed a pleasure to swear you in before I leave,’ Dame Susan said as she sworn in members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) at Government House on Old Year’s Day. Dame Susan, who turns 71 on March 3, said she had planned to demit office last September, coinciding with her 50th anniversary of public service, but had decided decided to stay on as head of state until the end of the year, in light of the general election, which was held on November 27

‘I served 50 years as a public servant, and I felt it was time for me to demit any public office that I’m holding,’ said Dame Susan, who was sworn in as Governor General on August 1 2019, becoming the first woman here to hold that office.

Prior to her appointment, she had served as the governor-general’s deputy since December 2014.

And so, I enjoy what I did over the years. I love children, and I will continue to work with them under the foundation under my name. And I always say, whatever you have to do, you have to do it with passion, with love, and that caring for people,’ she told the state-owned NBC Radio.

‘And it has been my guide throughout my public life, and so the decision to demit was not recently decided. That was a decision I discussed with my husband and family and because the elections were due just two months later than that date in September, I decided to stay on until the end of the year.’

Dame Susan said her 50-year career as a public servant has been ‘very, very fruitful,’ adding ‘I also enjoyed being Governor General because I was able to do more and help a lot of young people in my daily work.’

She urged more people to get involved ‘in what is really important to us.

‘I would like to see people join organisations, get involved in community work, try as far as possible to educate the young ones by being mentors for them and help them to become who they really are.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony earlier, Deputy Prime Minister St. Clair Leacock recognised Dame Susan’s ‘tremendous and valuable service to our peoples in St Vincent and the Grenadines’ and expressed hope that the outgoing head of state enjoys her retirement.

‘And there will be a new governor general of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It’s the wish of this administration – and I speak for the prime minister – that we see a clear recognition and distinction between the role of state and government and we give to Caesar that which is Caesar’s

‘Those things that are state functions must be represented here at State House, Government House, and those things that are government must be represented at the Prime Minister’s Residence, where, say, the seat of government.’

Prime Minister Andrew Holness Friday defended the decision of his administration to facilitate financing for the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) to accelerate grid restoration, including a loan facility valued at US$150 billion.

‘The JPS is a private company with public interest. The JPS provides a public service. And that public good cannot in any way be disrupted,’ Holness said as he addressed a ceremony marking the arrival of additional trucks with specialised equipment to aid JPS restoration works. He said that the financing arrangement was deliberately separated from ongoing negotiations regarding the company’s operating licence, ensuring that electricity restoration in the wake of the passage of Hurricane Melissa would not be delayed.

Holness said as a result of this support, JPS now has more than 270 trucks and approximately 470 workers deployed, bringing total manpower to nearly 900 line workers and close to 500 trucks.

He said that the government wants to see a strengthening of the national power grid as part of efforts to boost Jamaica’s resilience and that the displacement caused by Hurricane Melissa highlighted the need for infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, such as hurricanes, and reduce electricity downtime.

He spoke of the need for stronger light poles, the presence of micro-grids, and placing power lines underground and that following the passage of the Category 5 strom in October last year, that killed 45 people and left damage estimated at more than US$9.9 billion, the government had directed the JPS to explore, where feasible, putting sections of the national power grid underground.

Holness said that a suggestion had been made for the ‘Elegant Corridor’ and ‘Hip Strip’ in Montego Bay, St James, to be among the areas considered for this solution.

Holness said the matter is being discussed at Cabinet and with the utility company and that costings have been received.

‘No doubt the costs are high. But sometimes you have to compare high cost with high loss. What do we lose by not having resilience in the grid?,’ Holness said expressing confidence that Jamaica will recover better from Melissa.

‘The strength of the recovery is not just to restore; it is to build forward, not to build back. We’re going to be building Jamaica forward, and we’re going to build Jamaica better than it was before.’

Holness said that Jamaica’s post-hurricane recovery compares favourably with other countries impacted by similar storms, adding that the island has achieved approximately 90 per cent electricity restoration island wide and close to 70 per cent recovery in the worst-affected parishes.

‘I think that is a creditable response on the part of the government and on the part of the JPS,’ he said, adding that electricity restoration will continue even in remote and rural communities, regardless of cost.

‘We are going to be building Jamaica forward and we are going to be building Jamaica better than it was before.’

In his address, Prime Minister Holness pointed to what he said ere two major national achievements that justify optimism for the year ahead, namely economic performance and reduction in violent crimes.

He cited the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) recently reporting more than five per cent growth in the July to September quarter of 2025, noting that this was significant as, historically, the country has taken years or even decades to recover from major crises.

In 2024, Jamaica was impacted by Hurricane Beryl, which plundered economic gains for the country, including reversing some 12 consecutive quarters of post-pandemic growth for the island.

‘What we have seen. is that when we are hit by super phenomenal events. the ability of the economy to head back to growth within the year of the impact is phenomenal.’

He attributed this turnaround to what he described as increased resilience within the Jamaican economy.

‘It is a word called resilience. The Jamaican economy is showing very strong signs of resilience,’ Holness said, describing also the significant decline in murders as a historic achievement.

‘For the first time in 31 years, the country can collectively celebrate. the reduction of murders,’ he said, noting that murders have fallen to 673 for the year, representing a more than 40 per cent decline and the third consecutive year of reductions.

‘We have cracked the psychological barrier of a thousand murders per year,’ Holness said, adding that Jamaica is now moving toward the regional average of 15 murders per 100,000 people.

Poloce Friday said that two Brazilian gold miners died after a mining pit collapsed at Chenapou, North Pakaraimas, in the spectacular Pakaraima Mountain Range in Region 8, known for its dramatic tabletop mountains. The miners have been identified as Cleumiton Da Silva Santos, 37, and 44-year old Antonio Filho and the police said that the incident occurred on December 30, at ‘S’ Bend Backdam.

‘Preliminary enquiries revealed that the two deceased were working inside a mining pit when a quantity of sand collapsed into the pit. While other workers managed to escape, both men became trapped and were later retrieved motionless,’ the Guyana Police Force said in a statement.

It said that due to the remote location, the bodies are currently at ‘S’ Bend Backdam and arrangements are being made to transport them to the Mahdia District Hospital where post-mortem examinations will be conducted.

West Indies fast bowler Jason Holder ended 2025 in record-breaking fashion by setting a new record for the most T20 wickets in a single calendar year.

The 34-year-old Barbadian finished the year with 97 wickets, eclipsing the previous record of 96 wickets held by Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan since 2018.

Holder played in 69 matches last year at an average of 21.42 at an economy rate of 8.30 runs per over. He achieved the landmark when he picked up 2-24 against the Gulf Giants in the International League T20 on Sunday.

Naveen-ul-Haq (78), Andre Russell (76) and Andrew Tye (75) are the other seamers to pick up 75 or more T20 wickets in a calendar year.

He represented six teams throughout the year; the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Islamabad United, Khulna Tigers, Los Angeles Knight Riders, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and the West Indies.

Holder was just as proficient with the bat, scoring 846 runs at 24.17 at a strike rate of 159.92, his best batting performance in a year.

Before 2025, Holder never had a strike rate of over 145 in any calendar year where he batted more than twice.

The following is the CANANews Schedule for Friday January 2, 2026.

PORT AU PRINCE – The Gang Suppression Force (GSF) says it remains focused on dismantling gangs, restoring security and laying the foundation for lasting peace and democratic governance in Haiti.

BASSETERRE – The St. Kitts and Nevis government says the recent military exercises conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) around the Taiwan Strait ‘heighten tensions and risk undermining peace, stability, and prosperity’.

KINGSTON – The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says a four-year-old child was shot and killed and two teenage girls, including a Canadian national, are nursing gunshot wounds as a result of separate incidents of illegal gun salutes heralding the new year.

KINGSTOWN – Governor General Dame Susan Dougan says she will step down on Monday, January 5, ending 50 years of public service.

PARAMARIBO – The Suriname Police Force (KPS) is warning of sophisticated online sales scams with fraudsters using forged bank transfer receipts to steal goods without paying.

Barbadian forward Niall Reid-Stephen has reached an agreement with New Mexico United to play in the 2026 United Soccer League Championship (USL).

The 24-year-old’s move from South Georgia Tormenta FC for an undisclosed fee equals the record fee paid by a USL Championship club to a USL League One side and is awaiting league and federation approval. Reid-Stephen had an impressive outing in his debut season in the USL League One in 2025, scoring 13 goals and providing 13 assists on his way to being named in the 2025 All League First Team.

He also scored three goals and had one assist in the US Open Cup and USL Cup.

Sporting Director at New Mexico United, Itamar Keinan said he was looking forward to having Reid-Stephen at his disposal.

‘Niall is someone we have been monitoring for a long time, and I am thrilled that we are able to bring him to our club.

‘He is an exciting player and a real attacking threat, and I look forward to seeing him score goals in front of our fans,’ Keinan said.

The Antigua and Barbuda ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States (OAS), Sir Ronald Sanders, has been appointed as the new Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG).

President Irfaan Ali said that the Guyanese-born diplomat and educator ‘brings to this role an exceptional record of scholarship, public service, and international engagement that aligns closely with the University’s aspirations for academic excellence and global visibility’.

President Ali said the office of the Chancellor had become vacant following the competition of the ‘distinguished tenure’ of Professor John Edward Greene, a former Assistant Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and that the UG council had identified Sir Ronald to succeed him.

Sir Ronald, a former Guyanese broadcaster and at that time was the youngest General Manager of the now defunct state-owned Guyana Broadcasting Service (GBS), migrated to Antigua and Barbuda and, under the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ALP) administration, was appointed a diplomat to the United Kingdom and the United States.

A former Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford, he holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Sussex, and has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of the West Indies and an Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Guyana.

He has served as Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, and as Senior Fellow at Massey College, University of Toronto. He was Rapporteur of a Special Committee appointed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of London on the future of the Commonwealth Institute and was an elected member of the Executive Board of UNESCO.

Internationally, President Ali said Sir Ronald is among the Caribbean’s most accomplished diplomats and that his experience in ‘multilateral diplomacy, scholarship on small states, and sustained engagement with leading global policy institutions reflect a depth of intellect, credibility, and international respect that would further enhance the academic stature and global reach of the University of Guyana.

‘ At a moment of major investment in human capital, his leadership would strengthen the University’s role at the heart of Guyana’s emerging knowledge economy,’ President Ali added.