Category: CANA News

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says recent international developments, including geopolitical tensions in the region and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals, ‘remind us of a fundamental truth: None will come to save us. We must save ourselves.

‘Recent public discussions among member states, reflecting differing national perspectives, have unfolded in a way that has attracted regional and international attention,’ said Prime Minister Drew, who from January 1, next year, replaces Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness as the chairman of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the next six months.

‘While such differences are not unusual in a diverse Community such as ours, they remind us of the importance of managing our dialogue with care, mutual respect, and a resolute sense of regional responsibility,’ said Drew, who said he is assuming the CARICOM chairmanship with ‘optimism and a deep dedication’ to the ideals of the regional integration movement.

Prime Minister Drew was no doubt making reference to the current tensions within CARICOM sparked by recent comments from Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that CARICOM ‘is not a reliable partner’ and ‘has lost its way’.

But he reminded the region that ‘CARICOM was never conceived as a space free of disagreement.

‘It was created as a forum where differences could be addressed constructively, internally, and with the shared understanding that our collective strength is greater than any single issue before us.

‘This reality does not call for isolation, but for stronger coordination, clearer purpose, and deeper solidarity. It requires us to speak louder, speak with conviction, speak with one voice; where our shared interests are concerned, and to act with strategic maturity on the global stage.’

Prime Minister Drew said that as Caribbean leaders, and as citizens of this region, ‘we must recommit to the principles that underpin this Community. We must strengthen our institutions, enhance consultation, and ensure that our engagement reflects the seriousness of the responsibilities entrusted to us by our people.

‘Differences and all, we are one Caribbean people, heirs to a civilization that transformed suffering into strength and adversity into achievement. We have contributed to the world in profound and undeniable ways that continue to shape global culture, sport, intellect, and conscience.

‘Let us therefore move forward with shared purpose, with confidence in our combined capacity, and with faith in the Caribbean project.’

He said St. Kitts and Nevis has already begun preparations to host the CARICOM summit in Basseterre from February 24-27 and that he is ‘cordially’ inviting ‘my colleague heads to join us in active engagement as we consider priority issues and advance the welfare of our people and of our region.

‘CARICOM is and will continue to be a declaration of who we are and who we choose to be,’ he added, saying ‘together, we will strengthen it. Together, we will protect it. Together, we will secure the future of our Caribbean civilization’.

Prime Minister Drew in his message said he is taking up the CARICOM chairman position at ‘a moment that calls for reflection, calm leadership, and renewed commitment to the Caribbean ideal’.

He said CARICOM, established in 1973 through the Treaty of Chaguaramas, was born out of ‘a clear-eyed recognition by our forebears that vulnerable states would face immense challenges in a rapidly changing global order.

‘As such, CARICOM was founded to promote economic integration, coordinate foreign policy, encourage functional cooperation, and amplify the Caribbean’s voice internationally. This was an act of strategic foresight and regional self-belief, one built on the conviction that our collective strength is our greatest asset.’

Prime Minister Drew said that currently, CARICOM comprises sovereign states and associate members ‘bound not by geography alone, but by shared history, values, and destiny’ adding that ‘over time, CARICOM has delivered meaningful benefits to all of our people.

‘Through regional trade and economic cooperation, we have expanded markets, supported local enterprise, and strengthened resilience. Through the movement of skills and labour, Caribbean people have been able to contribute across borders, enriching societies and building shared capacity. Through functional cooperation, we have advanced health systems, disaster response, education, security, and climate advocacy.’

The in-coming CARICOM chairman said ‘in an increasingly uncertain world, regional integration is not optional.

‘It is essential. As a unified body, we will continue to explore viable partnerships to encourage innovative approaches, capacity building, and access to affordable finance that are needed to foster sustainable development’

He reminded that the Caribbean civilization, forged in the crucible of slavery and indentured labour, ‘has produced achievements that far exceed our size’ and that the region’s advocacy for reparatory justice will therefore continue through the work of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and the tenets of the CARICOM Ten Point Plan for Reparatory Justice.

Drew said that the situation in Haiti continues to require sustained regional engagement ‘to help our fellow Caribbean brothers and sisters to stabilise and rebuild.

‘We will continue our support, including through the Eminent Persons Group, as Haiti anticipates holding general elections in 2026, and as the UN Security Council Resolution 2793 on the Gang Suppression Force is implemented.’

In his message, Prime Minister Drew said that the region has made profound contributions to literature, economic thought, political philosophy, sports, music, and culture.

He said Caribbean creativity has given the world new musical genres, instruments, literary movements, and intellectual traditions that speak to freedom, dignity, resistance, and hope.

‘We consistently rank among the world’s best, particularly in cricket and track and field, establishing a tradition of excellence that has inspired millions and reshaped global expectations of sporting achievement,’ he said, adding these achievements are not accidents of history, they are the result of resilience, discipline, imagination, and an unyielding belief in possibility.

The Alwin Bully Foundation Inc Wednesday said it plans to stage two major productions in 2026, including one that will continue the observance of the 50th anniversary of a series of plays by Bully, the late Dominican cultural administrator, playwright, actor and artist, who designed the national flag.

The chairman of the Alwin Bully Foundation Inc, Severin McKenzie, said that one of the plays ‘The Ruler,’ is an adaptation of the novel ‘Ruler in Hiroona’ by Vincentian G.C.H. Thomas, and is scheduled for presentation during the 48th independence celebrations on November 3.

He said that the play was originally produced by the People’s Action Theatre (PAT) in 1976 and enjoyed packed audiences in Dominica and other Caribbean islands.

The second production scheduled for 2026 is ‘McBee’ by Bully, a critically acclaimed theatrical work that captivated audiences in Jamaica.

‘Notably, ‘McBee’ has never been staged in Dominica, and the Foundation is excited to bring this masterpiece to local audiences,’ said McKenzie, who said he anticipates a productive new year with increased appreciation for the performing arts, especially theatre.

The Foundation said it was pleased with the successful restaging of Bully’s first full-length theatrical production, ‘STREAK,’ in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

‘This achievement is notable considering the various challenges faced, such as securing a suitable venue and ensuring adequate technical amenities including seating, lighting, and sound,’ McKenzie added.

Bully, who was bestowed with Dominica’s second highest honour, the Sisserou Award of Honour in 1985, also served for 20 years in Jamaica for UNESCO as the Caribbean’s Cultural Advisor, helping Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states to develop their cultural programmes and policies, and also chaired the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) Interim Festival Directorate, before returning to Dominica in 2008

He died on March 10, 2023 at the age of 74.

The state-owned oil and gas company, Staatsolie, says it is entering the new year with confidence, despite forecasts of lower global oil prices and challenging geopolitical conditions.

‘The company is well-prepared to navigate these dynamics, backed by a robust structure, solid financial foundation, and efficient processes. Above all, Staatsolie’s dedicated employees continue to give their best to drive continuous improvement.

‘Through strategic partnerships and a strong focus on growth, Staatsolie remains dedicated to creating lasting value for Suriname and its people, which aligms with with the company’s vision: ‘Energizing a bright future for Suriname,’ the company said in a statement regarding its operations this year.

Staatsolie said it achieved its production and financial targets for 2025 and that offshore developments are progressing according to plan.

The company said that for 2025, it anticipates total revenues of US$802 million, representing the consolidated performance of Staatsolie and its subsidiaries Staatsolie Power Company Suriname N.V. (SPCS) and GOw2.

‘The expected pre-tax profit amounts to US$418 million. Oil production reached 6.35 million barrels, while the refinery produced approximately 3.1 million barrels of high-quality diesel and gasoline. SPCS supplied 1.37 million megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity, covering 69percent of the energy demand for Paramaribo and surrounding districts,’ Staatsolie said.

The il and energy company said contributions to the state treasury amount to nearly US$387 million, as compared with US$384 million last year, through taxes, dividends, and royalties from Staatsolie’s participation in gold mining.

‘This represents 32 per cent of total government revenue for the year. Staatsolie’s contribution to Suriname’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 was about nine per cent.’

Staatsolie said that two noteworthy offshore achievements include the confirmation of commercial viability for the Sloanea-1 gas field in Block 52 and the launch of the Open-Door Offering. It said development of the GranMorgu project in Block 58 is advancing and remains on schedule.

Staatsolie said Saramacca Crude production met its goal with an estimated 6.35 million barrels, maintaining an average output of 17,400 barrels per day in 2025 due to improved techniques.

The Staatsolie refinery produced approximately 3.1 million barrels of high-quality diesel and gasoline, exceeding the target of three million barrels. The refinery marked a significant milestone in its 10-year history with the first commercial production of sulfuric acid and delivery to Suralco.

SPCS supplied 1.37 million MWh of electricity, meeting 69 per cent of the demand for Paramaribo and nearby districts connected to the so-called EPAR grid, using a mix of thermal and hydroelectric power.

GOw2 continued its multi-year plan to modernize and expand its network of fuel stations, renovating two stations, and opening a new one in Saramacca during 2025.

In 2025, Staatsolie said it focused on funding it’s 20 per cent stake in the GranMorgu project. In March, the Staatsolie bond 2025-2033 was issued, raising US$516 million, US$321 million more than previous bonds.

In May, a US$1.6 billion bank loan has been secured from 18 banks and financial institutions. Combined with reserves and operating income, these funds provide a solid base for Staatsolie’s US$2.4 billion investment in GranMorgu.

Staatsolie said that the successful bond issue and loan reflects strong national and international investor confidence.

The company said that the GranMorgu project is progressing as planned, with overall progress at 25 per cent, and the construction of the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) ) halfway completed.

Drilling of production and injection wells, as well as subsea infrastructure installation, is scheduled to begin in 2027, with first oil expected in 2028.

In Novvember, Staatsolie approved the commercial development of the Sloanea-1 gas discovery in Block 52, marking an important step in developing Suriname’s offshore gas reserves in collaboration with PETRONAS Suriname Exploration and Production B.V.

It saif the plans include gas wells, subsea infrastructure, and a floating LNG facility, a first in the region with the final investment decision is expected in 2026, with gas production projected to start in 2030.

Staatsolie also launched the Open-Door Offering in November, opening new offshore exploration opportunities. At the same time, the GeoAtlas of Suriname detailed geological reference, was published.

Staatsolie said exploration activities continue in various offshore blocks, with seismic surveys and drilling in progress and that several wells have been drilled with others planned for the new year.

‘Operations are supported by Surinamese shore bases, boosting local content and creating opportunities for local businesses and suppliers. In the shallow offshore area off the coast of Saramacca and Coronie, a seismic survey has began to map potential oil and gas reserves,’ Staatsolie said.

The company said that in 2025, Staatsolie and the Staatsolie Foundation for Community Development invested approximately US$2.7 million in corporate social responsibility initiatives.

In addition, three million US dollars was allocated for community projects commemorating Staatsolie’s 45th anniversary under the theme ‘Empowering communities and institutions.’ The projects are implemented nationwide, with a particular emphasis on supporting disadvantaged communities, ‘ Staatsolie added.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew says recent international developments, including geopolitical tensions in the region and external policy decisions affecting Caribbean nationals, ‘remind us of a fundamental truth: None will come to save us. We must save ourselves.

‘Recent public discussions among member states, reflecting differing national perspectives, have unfolded in a way that has attracted regional and international attention,’ said Prime Minister Drew, who from January 1, next year, replaces Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness as the chairman of the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for the next six months.

‘While such differences are not unusual in a diverse Community such as ours, they remind us of the importance of managing our dialogue with care, mutual respect, and a resolute sense of regional responsibility,’ said Drew, who said he is assuming the CARICOM chairmanship with ‘optimism and a deep dedication’ to the ideals of the regional integration movement.

Prime Minister Drew was no doubt making reference to the current tensions within CARICOM sparked by recent comments from Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that CARICOM ‘is not a reliable partner’ and ‘has lost its way’.

President Irfaan Ali says two containers of locally produced agro-processed goods are destined for Caribbean markets, in what he has described as a concrete step in turning farm output into export driven wealth for households and communities.

Speaking during an in-depth end-of-year conversation with students on Tuesday, Ali outlined an integrated economic and social model aimed at reducing poverty, expanding household wealth and building a diversified, resilient economy for all Guyanese.

‘You are seeing it at the Christmas markets and across the country: single mothers and small processors improving their products. Today, we have just negotiated two containers of agro-processed goods going into the Caribbean,’ he said.

He said that the shipment is not a symbolic gesture but a practical outcome of policies designed to transform Guyana into a competitive, diversified economy that places families, farmers, young people and small businesses at the centre of national growth.

Ali said the agro-processing breakthrough reflects deliberate policies to incentivise agriculture, empower small producers, particularly women, and link village-level production to regional and global markets.

He said because Guyana is fast becoming an important food supplier in the Caribbean, discussions are underway to establish a commercial arm of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) that would integrate food production with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) market.

President Ali cited a recent discussion with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gastn Browne ‘where a group of young Antiguans are investing in transport capabilities and are looking to Guyana as a key supplier of food into their domestic system.’

Ali said that following on this initiative, the Guyana Development Bank will be used to introduce entrepreneurship education in schools, teaching students how to form consortia and develop bankable ideas from an early age.

‘Wealth creation is not accidental. It is planned at the national level through policies and programmes and felt at the community level,’ he said, warning against attitudes that reduce productivity during this critical phase of development.

Regarding food security, President Ali noted that while regional targets have been affected by hurricanes, climate shocks and post-pandemic demand, Guyana has made tremendous strides.

He said poultry, livestock, egg, aquaculture, corn and soya production have all expanded, with exports to the wider Caribbean expected within two years and that international investors are now actively pursuing opportunities in large scale livestock, swine production, sugar refining, ethanol, mega farms and hydroponics, reflecting growing confidence in Guyana’s policy environment.

‘Guyana is now seen as a country with a serious policy agenda and a strong ecosystem that supports agriculture and food production,’ President Ali said.

In his wide ranging engagement, President Ali said there will be a complete assessment of the gold mining sector on January 5, next year as part of the government’s efforts to crack down on illegal activities within the sector.

He said the gold mining sector requires serious focus.

‘We are going to link the mercury they buy with their declarations; if they have land that they are working on (and) they have dredges registered, but there is no declaration, we’re going to repossess those lands because there is no sense they destroy the environment and it’s not being used.’

Ali confirmed that the complete assessment of the sector will be done early in the new year and ‘strong decisions’ will be made.

Over the past few weeks, government and other stakeholders have reiterated some of the rules governing the sector with emphasis being placed on reminding miners that gold must be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or authorised licensed dealers.

President Ali also said that more improvements are being contemplated with regards to the operations of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which has been beset by numerous challenges, leading to blackouts affecting both citizens and businesses.

Ali said that ongoing development, which has led to the construction of thousands of new houses and the establishment of new businesses, contributed to the spike in the power demand. He said the increased demand, coupled with the aging power distribution system, has challenged GPL.

‘On the power side, there have been improvements (though) still not where we want them to be (and there are) still weaknesses in management that we are addressing. We are fixing and reinvesting in the entire infrastructure whilst we have to keep the power on.’

Ali explained that GPL and the main power grid it runs – the Demerara- Berbice Interconnected System – did not have enough investments from 2015 to 2020 and that his government has the herculean task of rapidly investing in GPL’s expansion.

Former West Indies cricketer Deryck Murray has called on Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr Kishore Shallow and the entire Board to step down.

Speaking on the Mason and Guest radio programme on Tuesday, the 82-year-old Murray contended that Shallow, who was recently appointed as Minister of Tourism and Maritime Affairs in St Vincent and the Grenadines, could not hold both positions.

Murray, a wicketkeeper who played 62 Tests and 16 One Day Internationals for the West Indies between 1963 and 1980, has maintained that it is not feasible for Shallow to continue as CWI president.

‘To have the president of Cricket West Indies and a functioning Minister of Government, especially one who has two portfolios, he cannot do that job.

‘So therefore, you need to appeal to him that in leaving he must work with the President of the CARICOM Sub-Committee and take the Board with him,’ Murray said.

‘The personnel of the Board at the moment has to remove itself peacefully, amicably, and to allow a change to take place.’

His comments have come following a decision by Shallow to continue in the role until his current term comes to an end in 2028.

While Shallow revealed he will not seek re-election, he said he had spoken with CWI’s directors along with officials from the sport’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and had been given the green light to continue as president while holding his ministerial portfolio.

In giving his reasons for not stepping down, Shallow said he wanted to complete the reforms which were needed to improve the state of West Indies cricket both on and off the field.

‘.I know that some of you may be concerned about my recent appointment to Cabinet and what it may mean for my continued service as president of CWI. Let me be up front and transparent with you as I’ve always been,’ Shallow said in the pre-recorded statement earlier this month.

‘Admittedly, I have thought long and hard about this. My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion. It is for this reason that I will conclude my current term, but with the intention not to seek re-election.

‘While the journey has not been without its challenges, and we have not achieved every goal, we have made significant and measurable progress.My conviction is that the work ahead requires steady leadership and a commitment to completing the reforms already set in motion,’ he added.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar is due to make an official visit to Grenada early next year, but the dates have yet to be confirmed, a government spokesperson has confirmed.

‘The Prime Minister of Trinidad is scheduled to make an official visit, but I cannot confirm dates just yet,’ Press Secretary, Neila Ettienne, responded when asked to confirm the accuracy of the visit, which has been circulating via social media platforms.

The visit was first mentioned as a possibility during a town hall meeting in October this year, when Nazim Burke and other members of Grenada’s oil and gas Technical Working Group provided an update on the work of the group.

The technical consultant geoscientist from Trinidad, Helena Innis, told the meeting the meeting then Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal had made a visit to Grenada and the intention was for him to return on an official visit with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar possibly being part of the delegation.

‘We had the Minister of Energy visiting Grenada where they discuss technical cooperation and marketing of Grenada’s gas in Trinidad and Tobago, we have had the Prime Minister of Grenada (Dickon Mitchell) also going to Trinidad and Tobago. And it is expected that the Minister will come on an official visit, the first visit was not quite official, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago may also come, that is in regard to the Trinidad and Tobago Cooperation,’ she said.

At the time, Innis told the meeting that both countries had negotiated and agreed on a framework.

‘We actually negotiated and agreed to a framework where we will cooperate between us and today, we are operationalising it. There is a steering committee with six members: three from Trinidad and Tobago, three from Grenada.’

Moonilal said that his country was ready to support Grenada in the development of its oil and gas sector, following high-level meetings with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell and other officials during his August 23-24 visit.

In 2012, both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation on energy development.

The state-owned oil and gas company, Staatsolie, says it is entering the new year with confidence, despite forecasts of lower global oil prices and challenging geopolitical conditions.

‘The company is well-prepared to navigate these dynamics, backed by a robust structure, solid financial foundation, and efficient processes. Above all, Staatsolie’s dedicated employees continue to give their best to drive continuous improvement.

‘Through strategic partnerships and a strong focus on growth, Staatsolie remains dedicated to creating lasting value for Suriname and its people, which aligms with with the company’s vision: ‘Energizing a bright future for Suriname,’ the company said in a statement regarding its operations this year.

Staatsolie said it achieved its production and financial targets for 2025 and that offshore developments are progressing according to plan.

The search is continuing Wednesday for a 54-year-old Guyanese fisherman, who reportedly fell overboard during a fishing trip to Suriname, on December 19, but widely presumed to be dead.

Relatives said that some of the personal belongings of Permaul Punsammy have since been found, and according to his brother, Veerasammy Punsammy, 56, who was also on the trip with him, it was raining at the time of the incident.

He said Permaul was caught in the seine, a fishing net which hangs vertically in the water with floats at the top and weights at the bottom edge, that was being thrown into the Coppename River in Suriname, when he fell overboard.

Veerasammy said that along with two other crew members, they began searching and calling out, during which Permaul responded three times. He said that after pulling the seine, Permaul’s cloak was found hooked onto it.

Veerasammy believes his brother attempted to remove the cloak in hopes of catching the seine again, but he did not. While continuing the search, they found Permaul’s headlight a short distance away.

The search persisted until the following morning. The next day, he said they visited several landing sites in Suriname and sought the assistance of other boat operators to help locate Permaul.

The incident was reported to authorities in Suriname, and a formal report was filed at the Number 51 Police Station.

But Veerammy believes that his brother is no longer alive.

‘That’s extra hard for him to live. Unless he hold onto something or meet up with Town boat. Otherwise, he don’t have any alternatives,’ he added.

The Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) is confident that the sector will enjoy a good winter season with hotels across the island report near-full occupancy and strong forward bookings.

BHTA chair, Javon Griffith, said some hotels are reporting 90 to 100 per cent occupancy already for the 2025-26 season.

‘Our BHTA members are reporting occupancies in the high 90 per cent range, with a number of properties already at 100 per cent and strong performance projected straight through to the first week of January.’

Griffith described this as an extraordinary start to the season and a clear indication of increased business activity across the industry.

‘Barbados is enjoying an exceptionally strong start to the 2025-26 winter season, and the energy is palpable right across the island. From consistently high hotel occupancies to restaurants operating at full capacity, and car rental firms reporting sold-out inventories, there’s clear evidence that demand is surging and the tourism economy is in full stride.’

Earlier this month, the BHTA reported that between January and October this year Barbados welcomed 582 710 stay-over visitors, up 5.4 per cent from 553 229 recorded in the same period last year.

Griffith said that from January to October, hotel occupancy averaged 66 per cent, while the average daily rate climbed 12.5 per cent and revenue per available room rose 15.2 per cent year on year.

In a statement, Griffith said improvements are also evident in activities hosted throughout the island.

‘As you move around Barbados during the day and into the evening, you cangenuinely feel the pulse of the season – busy streets, vibrant dining rooms, and a renewed sense of momentum that is translating directly into jobs, business activity, and confidence across a wide cross-section of the community.’

He said the increase is not only from repeat visitors but also people coming to Barbados for the first time.

‘This is not only about repeat visitors, as we are also welcoming a notable wave of first-time travellers, particularly from the United States and continental Europe, reflecting the impact of expanded airlift and improved connectivity secured through the efforts of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’

Griffith said the increase in visitor interest and tourist arrivals demonstrated growth in the industry and strengthened market partnerships.

‘That growth in access is widening Barbados’ reach, strengthening our market mates, and helping to sustain demand across the destination,’ the HTA chair said, urging continued efforts to maintain quality connections with partners.

‘While we celebrate this strong early-season performance, it also underscores the need to continue protecting the quality of the Barbados experience, ensuring service standards remain high, the visitor journey is seamless, and businesses have the support required to operate efficiently during peak periods.

‘This season is already proving to be a positive signal for the wider economy, and we are optimistic about what it can deliver for Barbados in the months ahead,’ Griffith added.