Category: CANA News

The Barbados Tridents defeated the Jamaica Kingsmen by five runs in the fourth match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here on Tuesday.

TRIDENTS 206-3 in 20 overs (Brandon King 73, Sherfane Rutherford 50 not out, Quinton de Kock 42; Hassan Khan 1-19, Jediah Blades 1-23)

KINGSMEN 201-9 in 20 overs (Andre Russell 68, Keacy Carty 45, Rovman Powell 38, Vitel Lawes 32; Daniel Sams 4-20, Chris Green 2-27)

Attorney General Anil Nandlall says while he will refrain from making any public statement regarding the controversy surrounding the administration of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), he is warning against any ‘grossly disrespectful and scurrilous attack’ upon the CCJ president, Justice Winston Anderson.

Nandlall, speaking on his weekly ‘Issues in the News’ programme on social media and television on Tuesday night, said that while there have been statements on the CCJ issue with ‘sobriety, integrity’ and maintaining the ‘sacrosanct aura that ought to attach to a matter of such grave importance’ he is nonetheless disappointed at a statement made by a political figure in Guyana on the issue.

Nandlall, who is also the Minister of Legal Affairs said that the political figure in question posted on social media a statement referring to Justice Anderson as a ‘cockroach’ and that he had been compromised a long time and it was time to ‘spray out this cockroach’.

‘This is a grossly disrespectful and scurrilous attack upon the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the highest ranking judicial officer of the judiciary of Guyana, and it constitutes a scathing attack, not only on the Caribbean Court of Justice, but the administration of justice in Guyana.

‘I condemn this contemptuous publication in the strongest possible term, and I invite every right-thinking member of society to do the same. If such a statement had emanated from a political party that has any respect for the rule of law and for the administration of justice in Guyana, I would have demanded an apology and a retraction of that statement,’ Nandlall said.

‘But in this particular circumstances, I know that it would be futile were I to do so,’ he said, reminding his audience that whatever is unfolding publicly, ‘it is of fundamental importance that I remind that the Caribbean Court of Justice is Guyana’s final court, and it stands at the apex of the system administering justice in this country

‘Therefore, while persons can make public statements about the court and its members, even critical ones, they are obliged by law to do so respectfully and not to subject the court or its members to scurrilous criticisms and scandalising attacks.’

Nandlall warned ‘to do so would bring the administration of justice into disrepute and indeed constitute a contempt of court’.

The situation regarding the CCJ followed a report in the Trinidad and Tobago Sunday Express newspaper claiming that Justice Anderson had been accused by a majority of his fellow judges of governing the regional court in an ‘authoritarian’ and ‘dictatorial’ manner.

The newspaper said that the complaints range from unilaterally imposing a judicial dress code to allegations of ‘panel fixing’ and attempts to influence the outcome of cases.

On Tuesday, the heads of the judiciary of several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries said they have taken note of recent public reports regarding the administration and functioning of the Trinidad-based court.

In a joint statement, the heads of the judiciary of Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago said that the CCJ ‘occupies a position of profound importance as a regional institution and within the regional judicial architecture’.

The judicial leaders whose countries subscribe to the Original and or Appellate jurisdictions of the CCJ that was established on 16 April 2005, following the signing of its founding agreement on 14 February 2001, said the court is also vested with the power to adjudicate on matters involving the Revised Treaty of Chaguramas that governs the regional integration movement.

‘Its authority, like that of all courts, rests upon public confidence in the independence, impartiality, integrity and competence of its judges,’ they said, adding ‘we do not consider it appropriate to comment upon the merits of statements or allegations attributed to individual judges, nor upon matters arising within the internal deliberative or administrative processes of the Court.

‘However, we express grave concern about the breach of confidentiality which resulted in the disclosure of what appear to be internal communications.’

Nandlall, who told viewers that while, like many people, who have read the leaked emails published by the Trinidad newspaper, he has his own ‘views on the unfolding saga’ and he would ‘refrain from expressing them at this point in time.

‘For if I do, no doubt certain quarters will place the most perverse interpretation on them and will grossly misconstrue what I say to suit their own agenda. I will not give them that opportunity. I will not give them that occasion,’ he told viewers, describing the statement put out by the regional judicial leaders as one that ‘demonstrates judicial rectitude and restraint becoming of the institutions from which this statement emanates.

‘I leave that for the intelligent minds, the objective minds, to interpret and digest,’ he said, welcoming also the statement put out by the Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana, as one ‘that is equally sober (and) does not delve into the merits or demerits of the exchange between or among the judges, a statement that commendably stays clear of being dragged into that exchange, and a statement, I believe, that asserts the respect, the continuing respect, for the court and its processes’.

In a statement to the Sunday Express newspaper, the CCJ said it ‘is mindful that questions and allegations presented without the benefit of context, background, or an appreciation of the nature of judicial deliberations, collegial discussions, and institutional governance may lend themselves to misunderstanding or mischaracterisation.

‘For that reason, the Court wishes to reaffirm that the Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice remain committed to the tenets of judicial conduct enshrined in the United Nations Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct-independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, competence, and diligence.

‘Maintaining public confidence in the Court is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and preserving trust in the administration of justice. The Caribbean Court of Justice remains committed to providing accessible fair and efficient justice for the people and states of the Caribbean Community.’

Table leaders Trinidad and Tobago Women and second placed Barbados Women have set up a mouthwatering clash in the final preliminary round of the Rising Stars Under-19 Women’s Championship after winning their respective matches here on Wednesday.

T and T romped to their fourth straight win after rolling over the Leeward Islands Women by eight wickets, while Barbados edged Jamaica Women by six runs in a thrilling contest.

At Coolidge Cricket Ground: Trinidad and Tobago Women sealed their spot in Saturday’s final by crushing the Leeward Islands Women by eight wickets in a lopsided contest.

Spinner Samara Ramnath continued her impressive wicket-taking form, with her four-wicket haul helping to bundle out the Leeward Islands for just 50 in 16.2 overs, after they elected to bat first.

Ramnath, who entered the penultimate round of matches as the leading wicket taker with 15 wickets, ran through the Leeward Islands’ lower order, ending with the impressive figures of 4-3 from 2.2 overs, while her spinning partner Brianna Harricharan grabbed 3-15.

The Leeward Islands never recovered after Harricharan claimed the wickets of captain Aaliyah Weekes, opener Zara Skerritt and Cquinya Dasent, to reduce them to 23 for five after nine overs.

Skerritt and Lois George, who both scored 12, and Kerranique Skeete, who made 10, were the only batters to get into double figures.

T and T then breezed to 52 for two in 13.2 overs to complete their fourth win in as many matches, with Amrita Ramtahal scoring an unbeaten 17.

T and T will meet Barbados Women for bragging rights in their final preliminary match on Friday, with both sides already assured a spot in the final.

At Liberta Sports Club: Defending champions Barbados Women were made to fight until the last ball to secure a tense six-wicket victory over Jamaica Women.

After being sent in to bat, Barbados Women compiled 102 for eight in their 20 overs.

It was a far cry from their impressive batting performance in the previous round that saw them rack up a record breaking 206 for two against the Leeward Islands Women.

This time around, they were led by Zaniya Bruce’s knock of 30 off 35 balls, with Jamis Morris-Alleyne, who contributed 10 runs, being the only other double-digit contributor.

The pair added 44 runs to help rescue their team after they had slipped to 21 for three early on.

Jamaica Women did themselves no favours by gifting Barbados Women 23 extra, inclusive of 16 wides.

Davehjah Brown (3-10) and Brianna Plummer (2-20), were Jamaica Women’s best bowlers.

Jamaica Women then fell agonisingly short in their run chase, finishing on 96 for nine at the end of their allotted 20 overs.

They too were assisted by Barbados’ 25 extras, but they shot themselves in the foot with five of their nine batters being dismissed by the run out route.

Adanya Baugh hit an unbeaten 14, Sashane Ricketts scored 13, with Shamara Hall and Zariah Blair each scoring 10 runs.

It was Barbados’ third win in four matches and carried them to nine points – one less than T and T – with one round of matches to go.

Jamaica has officially launched the 36th edition of the Jamaica Product Exchange (JAPEX) 2026 with Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, optimistic that it will be a tremendous success.

The event will be held from September 14 to 18 in Ocho Rios, St. Ann on the north coast of the island under the theme ‘Jamaica Reimagined’ with the organisers saying this year’s staging of the premier travel trade show will showcase the destination’s resilience, innovation, and enduring appeal in the global marketplace.

In a virtual address to the ceremony Bartlett noted that Ocho Rios was strategically selected as the host location in light of the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the island’s western region.

‘This relocation was not simply a logistical decision. It was born of necessity… but it has become an opportunity,’ he said, noting that by the time JAPEX gets underway, nearly 80 per cent of the island’s hotel room stock is expected to be back in operation, with the remaining properties projected to reopen before the end of the first quarter of 2027.

‘That is indeed a powerful signal of trust in Brand Jamaica and of the resilience of our tourism workers, our enterprises, and our communities,’ Bartlett said, noting that since its inception, JAPEX, which is jointly organised by the JTB and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), has served as a vital platform for connecting Jamaica’s tourism industry with key international markets and stakeholders.

Bartlett underscored the significant economic value of JAPEX, noting that the most recent staging of the trade show facilitated approximately J$100 million (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.004 cents) in commercial agreements and business negotiations for the tourism industry.

‘It continues to bring together hundreds of Jamaica’s leading tourism suppliers, with international buyers, tour operators, and travel agents for pre-scheduled, results-driven business negotiations. It is a marketplace opportunity where partnerships are formed, contracts are negotiated, and Jamaica’s tourism product is positioned before the global marketplace,’ Bartlett said.

JAPEX Chair, Nicola Madden-Greig, outlined an enhanced and interactive agenda for the event, aimed at fostering meaningful partnerships and increasing stakeholder community engagement.

The event begins with the JAPEX Travel Forum, featuring sessions focused on business tourism, artificial intelligence, tourism’s broader impact, and innovative approaches to growing and sustaining the luxury travel market.

The organisers said that on the first business day suppliers will meet with international buyers with the spotlight shifting the day after to travel advisors from destinations around the world.

Additionally, delegates will participate in site visits across Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, and the South Coast, culminating with a carnival-themed event at Sandals Dunn’s River.

Madden-Greig said that registrations have already been received from representatives of 22 countries, along with major local hotel brands.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne Wednesday ridiculed a call issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Bar Association (ABBA) for him to ‘withdraw the threat’ he made against a sitting judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.

The ABBA said that it is also wants the head of government to ‘publicly affirm that no immigration or other executive power will be used to influence, intimidate, punish or remove a judicial officer because of decisions made in the lawful exercise of judicial office’. In a three page statement on Wednesday, the ABBA had earlier said it ‘noted with deep concern’ Browne’s statement made at a National Security meeting on Monday regarding the ‘short sentences’ being meted out by judges despite Parliament passing legislation to allow for harsher penalties related to the increase in gun crime and violence.

Prime Minister Browne in addressing a judge whom he did not identify by name, said ‘Brother man, if you cannot follow the lead of parliament to give longer sentences, leave our country voluntarily otherwise we are going to deport you and make you persona non grata. You know who you are. This is the Prime Minister of the country saying this.’

The ABBA said that although the Prime Minister stated that he did not intend to interfere with the judiciary, ‘the threat of deportation cannot be reconciled with that assurance’.

But in an almost immediate response to the ABBA’s position, Prime Minister Browne took to his Facebook page, in which he referred to the ABBA as being ‘defunct’ adding ‘Here is my response to your request for an apology: Piss off’.

The ABBA had said it had considered Browne’s statement as constituting ‘a grave threat to the independence of the judiciary and is incompatible with the constitutional separation of powers, and the rule of law’.

It said that the Antigua and Barbuda Constitution permits Parliament to make laws for the ‘peace, order and good government of Antigua and Barbuda, but it follows that neither Parliament nor the executive may act in a manner that is inconsistent with the constitutional order, and any attempt to do so is without legal foundation’.

It said that the separation of powers is a basic principle of law on which constitutions modelled on the Westminster system, including that of Antigua and Barbuda, are founded.

‘It has been judicially affirmed that Parliament cannot, consistent with that principle, transfer from the judiciary to an executive body which is not qualified to exercise judicial powers a discretion to determine the severity of the punishment to be inflicted upon an offender.’

The law association said that Prime Minister Browne’s statement, in directing a judge to ‘follow the lead of parliament’ on sentencing, ‘is precisely the kind of executive encroachment upon judicial power that the separation of powers is designed to prohibit’.

It said that the determination of the severity of a sentence imposed upon a convicted offender is, by constitutional principle, a function that belongs exclusively to the judiciary.

‘It has been held that the determination of the duration of a sentence must remain in the hands of the court and not those of the executive. Any arrangement by which the executive or legislature dictates or coerces the outcome of sentencing decisions violates the common law constitutional principle that underpins the separation of powers.’

The ABBA said that a judge who imposes a sentence in accordance with the law, including the Sentencing Guidelines, and the evidence before the court ‘is performing precisely the constitutional function that the separation of powers requires of the judiciary’ and that the ‘Prime Minister’s statement inverts this constitutional order by treating judicial independence as a form of insubordination’.

It said regarding the threat to deport the judge and declare that individual persona non grata for exercising judicial independence ‘is, on any proper analysis, an attempt to coerce the judiciary by executive action.

‘Such a threat strikes at the very foundation of judicial independence. A judge who faces the prospect of expulsion from the jurisdiction for delivering judgments within its discretion, that displeases the executive cannot be said to be independent. The rule of law requires that judges be free to decide cases according to law, without fear of personal consequences imposed by the executive.’

‘The Prime Minister’s statement is a direct and public threat against an identifiable judge, made for the express purpose of influencing the exercise of judicial power. The violation of constitutional principle is manifest’.

The ABBA said that when the executive publicly threatens a member of the judiciary with expulsion from the jurisdiction for exercising judicial independence, ‘it undermines not only the individual judge but the entire constitutional order.

‘It signals to the judiciary, as a whole, that compliance with executive preferences is a condition of continued tenure and residence. This is antithetical to the rule of law and to the constitutional framework within which the courts of Antigua and Barbuda operate.

‘The Prime Minister’s statement is irreconcilable with that doctrine. Parliament may legislate to set maximum or minimum sentences within constitutional limits, but it may not, through the executive, direct individual judges to impose sentences of a particular severity in particular cases and threaten those judges with expulsion for declining to do so. This is unacceptable in a fair and democratic society,’ the ABBA said.

St Lucia Kings elected to bat after winning the toss against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the fifth match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at the Daren Sammy National Stadium here on Wednesday.

SQUADS

ST LUCIA KINGS: Roston Chase (captain), Andries Gous, Kamil Pooran, Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew, Darren Nedd, Matthew Forde, Joshua Bishop, McKenny Clarke, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Maheesh Theekshana.

ST KITTS and NEVIS PATRIOTS: Jason Holder (captain), Johnson Charles, Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Dasun Shanaka, Kevin Wickham, Navin Bidaisee, Wanindu Hasaranga, Obed McCoy, Saurabh Netravalkar, Waqar Salamkheil.

Umpires: Leslie Reifer, Christopher Taylor.

TV Umpire: Ryan Banwarie.

Reserve Umpire: Deighton Butler.

Match Referee: Denavon Hayles.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

PORT OF SPAIN – The Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission (RJLSC/Commission) to hold transparent and independent review of allegations against CCJ President.

BRIDGETOWN – The Barbados-based Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) Wednesday launched its flagship investment platform with a senior Barbados government minister underscoring the importance of foreign direct investment into the region.

GENEVA – A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has found that Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) stood out as the only region to show a decline in both the youth unemployment rate and not in employment, education or training (NEET) rate, nine of the Caribbean countries saw youth unemployment increase between 2023 and 2025.

PUNTA CANA – The Bahamas Minister of Economic Affairs, Jerome Fitzgerald, is calling on Caribbean countries to establish a regional digital sovereignty pact and jointly develop cloud and computing infrastructure.

BRIDGETOWN – The Barbados government is introducing new legislation allowing for immigration authorities to screen travellers before they arrive in the country.

HAMILTON – The Bermuda government says it ‘full recognises’ and respect the United States policy on visa requirements for foreign nationals seeking to travel to the North American country after the US embassy here said decisions regarding visa requirements for foreign nationals are made by the US government.

SPORTS:

KINGSTON – In a gut-wrenching repeat of last Friday’s narrow loss, the Jamaica Kingsmen came within a whisker of pulling off a miraculous heist on Tuesday night, only to fall five runs short of the Barbados Tridents’ imposing total in a roller-coaster Caribbean Premier League fixture at Sabina Park.

In a gut-wrenching repeat of last Friday’s narrow loss, the Jamaica Kingsmen came within a whisker of pulling off a miraculous heist on Tuesday night, only to fall five runs short of the Barbados Tridents’ imposing total in a roller-coaster Caribbean Premier League fixture at Sabina Park. Chasing a daunting 207 for victory, the Kingsmen finished on 201 for nine, their valiant effort headlined by a breathtaking counter-attack from Andre Russell that had the home faithful on their feet until the very last over.

The Kingsmen’s chase began in nightmare fashion, crumbling to a disastrous 8 for 3 inside the first two overs.

Keacy Carty attempted to inject some life into the innings with a brisk 45 off 27 balls, but when his wicket fell, Jamaica seemed dead and buried at 132 for 7 in the 14th over.

That’s when Russell and young Vitel Lawes stepped in to rewrite the script. What followed was a stunning display of power-hitting that turned a rout into a razor-thin contest.

Lawes, displaying composure beyond his years, announced his arrival by launching Gudakesh Motie for a six in the 15th over, then unleashed carnage on Mujeeb ur Rahman in the 17th, smashing three towering sixes in a single over.

Russell, meanwhile, was at his destructive best, clubbing Raymon Simmons for a pair of massive blows as the required run rate began to plummet.

With 15 runs needed off the final six balls, Sabina Park erupted into a deafening roar. But the fairytale ending was not to be. Russell, who had blazed 68 off just 38 deliveries, holed out off Simmons’ bowling in the final over, effectively sealing the visitors’ victory.

Lawes’ fighting 32 off 20 balls offered a glimpse of a bright future, while Russell’s knock also carried him past the 2,000-run milestone in CPL history.

The Tridents owed much of their success to Daniel Sams, who held his nerve under pressure to finish with outstanding figures of 4 for 20. Chris Green provided valuable support with 2 for 27.

Earlier, the Tridents had set the stage with a formidable 206 for 3, anchored by Brandon King’s elegant 73 off 51 balls and propelled by a devastating late-overs assault from Sherfane Rutherford.

The visitors raced out of the blocks, with Zachary Carter (27 off 15) leading a 40-run powerplay stand alongside King inside the first 3.3 overs.

Carter’s departure brought Quinton de Kock to the crease, and the South African showed no signs of slowing down. De Kock (42 off 25) combined with King for a 72-run partnership off 45 balls, his strike rate of 168.00 and three sixes keeping the Kingsmen’s bowlers under constant pressure.

But it was the final four overs that proved decisive. At 156 for two after 16 overs, the Tridents exploded for 50 runs in the death phase.

King fell on the last ball of the 19th over, but Rutherford ensured the onslaught continued, remaining unbeaten on 50 off 28 balls, a brutal knock featuring three sixes and four boundaries.

That total ultimately proved just enough, as the Kingsmen were left to rue another agonising near-miss in front of their heartbroken home crowd.

United States Democratic Congressman Gregory W. Meeks says he’s ‘fighting for recognition’ of Trinidadian-born Staff Sgt. Angel Rampersad, who was killed in Jordan while on assignment in the Iran War.

‘At the top of the week, I sent a letter to Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding the names of fallen US service members Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad, Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, Private Isabella Gonzales and Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton be restored to the official count of the Iran War casualties under Operation Epic Fury on the Department of Defense’s website,’ said Meeks in a message to constituents in the 5th Congressional District in Queens, New York. He said the letter follows the Pentagon’s response to media reports alleging an intentional effort by the Trump administration to minimize the war’s toll.

Meeks said that in the Pentagon’s July 23, 2026, statement on X ‘they maintained that the removal of the service members’ names from the official death count from Operation Epic Fury was due to a ‘temporary data disruption,’ yet no corrective action has been taken since.’

In his letter to Hegseth, Meeks wrote that ‘Staff Sergeant Angel Rampersad, one of my constituents, made the ultimate sacrifice when a missile struck Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, killing her and three fellow US service members.

‘She served her country with honour and dedication, and she is remembered by her family, friends and community for her commitment to serving others. The same is true for Lieutenant Feehan, Private Gonzales and Sergeant Swinton. Each answered our nation’s call, and each deserves to have their sacrifice accurately recognized in the Department’s official historical record.’

He said since the Defense Casualty Analysis System is the Department of Defense’s public-facing record of casualties of historical and ongoing military conflicts, the omission of the deceased service members names raises rightful concerns about transparency and an accurate depiction of the human cost of the Iran war.

‘These concerns are only exacerbated by President Trump comparing of past wars, and their death counts, on Truth Social as an attempt to minimize the 18 US service member deaths that have resulted from the United States’ current war against Iran.

‘Every US service member lost is one too many. Their service deserves to be recognized and dignified.’

Meeks is requesting a response from Hegseth to several questions including why are the deaths of Rampersad and the other soldiers are currently recorded under ‘Overseas Operations’ rather than under Operation Epic Fury in the Defense Casualty Analysis System.

Meeks also paid tribute Staff Sgt. Rampersad, whose parents, Basdeo and Carol Rampersad, were born in Trinidad and Tobago.

‘Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Sgt. Angel Rampersad, who was a courageous member of our armed forces, beloved daughter and cherished community member,’ Meeks said. ‘I was saddened to learn of her tragic passing while answering the call to serve our nation.

‘We will always remember Sgt. Rampersad’s dedication, courage and lasting legacy of service she leaves behind. While no words can ease the pain of this profound loss, my heart and deepest condolences go out to her loved ones during this unimaginable time.’

Caribbean Community (CARICOM Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, Wednesday urged young people across the 15-member grouping to continue bringing forward their ideas, build across borders and use their skills to strengthen communities and the wider region.

In a message marking International Youth Day, Barnett said that CARICOM remains committed to working with yong in shaping a Caribbean future for dignity, opportunity and progress.

International Youth Day is being observed under the theme ‘Different Contexts, Common Aspirations,’ the CARICOM Secretary General said that the theme ‘reflects the reality that you come from different countries, cultures and communities, yet many of your aspirations are shared.

‘You seek quality education, decent work, safety, good health, opportunity and a genuine voice in the decisions that affect your lives. These aspirations are being pursued amid rapid technological change, increased climate change-related disasters, rising living costs, crime and violence, and growing concerns around mental and emotional health.’

She said across generations, young people have helped shape economies, culture, sport, public institutions and social movements and that today, that contribution continues through entrepreneurship, digital innovation, agriculture, climate action, volunteerism, the creative industries, and community leadership.

‘CARICOM recognises that youth development is intrinsic to regional growth and sustainable development. When the experiences of young people are absent from decision-making, policies are less responsive to their realities.’

Barnett said that the revised CARICOM Youth Development Action Plan recognises that young people need access to education, decent work, finance, and mental health support, and therefore focuses attention on entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, digitisation and technology, and mental health, while establishing clearer milestones to guide regional action.

She said through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme, the CARICOM Young Professionals Programme, and other initiatives, ‘we are strengthening connections between education, employment, entrepreneurship, mobility, and public service, while creating more regular engagement between young people, governments, and Regional Institutions.

‘This year’s theme also reminds us that opportunity is not experienced equally. Rural and hinterland youth, young people with disabilities, indigenous youth, migrants, unemployed youth, young women and girls, and those outside education or training face additional barriers,’ Barnett added.