Category: CANA News

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is projecting growth in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) to be between three and four per cent this year.

NASSAU – The Central Bank of The Bahamas (CBB) says that the domestic economy tempered pace of growth persisted during the month of November relative to the corresponding period in 2024, with key economic indicators converging closer to their medium-term potential.

BRIDGETOWN – The Barbados-based regional politiccal analyst, Peter Wickham, Tuesday said he believes Prime Minister Mia Mottley will go ahead with her plans to call an early general election in the country even though the polls are not constitutionally due until 2027.

BASSETERRE – Police say they are investigating reports that women are being drugged at bars and social events and subsequently sexually assaulted.

In a statement, the police said that the Special Victims Unit is ‘actively’ investigating the matter and that law enforcement officials take ‘these reports seriously and are committed to identifying those responsible and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and justice.

PARAMARIBO – The former head of the Directorate of National Security (DNV),Lieutenant Colonel Danielle Veira, faces a possible nine year prison sentence as the Military Court prepares to deliver its verdict next week in a case in which she is accused of, among other things, complicity in hostage-taking, trespassing, complicity in theft and robbery with violence, and unauthorized distribution of firearms passes.

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) is projecting growth in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) to be between three and four per cent this year.

The ECCU consists of eight island nations and territories, namely Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, all sharing the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) as their common currency and managed by the ECCB. In his annual Christmas message, ECCB Governor, Timothy Antoine said that despite the heightened uncertainty with the global economy, ‘our hyper-open economies continue to demonstrate resilience’ and that growth in the ECCU is likely to be around 3.7 per cent in 2025, slightly higher than 2024.

‘We are grateful that our fair isles were spared a major hurricane during another very active hurricane season. Our thoughts, prayers and practical support continue for the people of Jamaica and other countries affected by Hurricane Melissa. Our EC dollar remains strong with a current backing approaching 99 per cent and our international reserves continue to grow,’ Antoine said.

He said inflation, largely imported, though still challenging, has slowed compared with the past three years.

Antoine said that this past year, the ECCB advanced its shared agenda for transformation and shared prosperity on multiple fronts.

He said the highlights in 2025 include the launch of the First Step Account in partnership with the ECCU Bankers’ Association, the launch of Regional Energy Infrastructure Investment Facility (REIIF) in partnership with the World Bank and the launch of the Retail Government Bond programme with the Grenada government.

‘As we set our sights on 2026, we are mindful of climate change and the everchanging geopolitical environment. In respect of economic prospects, we currently project growth in the ECCU between three and four per cent’.

He said that the ECCB will launch a new strategic plan focused on its ‘Big Push’ challenge framed as a simple question, ‘what will it take the double the size of our economies over the next decade? And personalized with the question: what will it take to double your net worth?

The Grenadian-born ECCB Governor said that the ECCB focus for next year will include financial stability, the establishment of the Office of Financial Conduct to better protect customers of financial institutions as well as the establishment of a regional regulator for the Citizenship By Investment Programmes (CBI).

In addition, Antoine is hoping for the expansion of the Retail Bond programme to help more savers become financial investors, Data Privacy and Protection, Data and AI Strategy and the modernisation of the payments and financial Inclusion.

Police say they are investigating reports that women are being drugged at bars and social events and subsequently sexually assaulted.

In a statement, the police said that the Special Victims Unit is ‘actively’ investigating the matter and that law enforcement officials take ‘these reports seriously and are committed to identifying those responsible and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and justice.

‘Members of the public, particularly women, are urged to exercise heightened caution when attending social gatherings. Individuals should avoid accepting drinks from strangers, refrain from leaving drinks unattended, and consider watching drinks being prepared whenever possible.

‘It is advisable to attend events with trusted friends, remain together where practicable, and look out for one another throughout the event. Persons should also be cautious of individuals who insist on isolating them or pressuring them to consume additional alcohol or substances.’

The police statement is advising people if at any time they feel ‘unwell, disoriented, unusually intoxicated, or suspects their drink may have been tampered with, they should seek immediate assistance from trusted friends, event staff, or security personnel, and contact the Police without delay.

‘Where possible, do not leave alone, and avoid accepting transport from persons not known or trusted. Prompt medical attention should be sought, as this is important both for personal health and the preservation of evidence.’

The police said that while no one has yet been arrested as a result of the reports they are also encouraging ‘anyone who believes they may have been a victim or who has information that may assist ongoing investigations to report the matter immediately to the nearest police station’ a confidential hotline or directly to the Special Victims Unit.

‘All reports will be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality. Public cooperation remains vital in preventing these offences and ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of the community,’ the police added.

The Trinidad and Tobago government says it has extended the use of the existing coat of arms until January 2, 2031, despite the approval of a new national emblem earlier this year.

The Ministry of Homeland Security issued the legal notice for the extension. The order was made under section 5(2) of the National Emblems of Trinidad and Tobago (Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2025, which allows the minister to prescribe a later date for the continued use of the national emblem.

The act, which came into force earlier this year, introduced a new coat of arms for Trinidad and Tobago. It originally allowed the previous one to be used until January 1, 2026, or until a later date set by ministerial order.

According to the legal notice, the Government determined that it was ‘expedient’ to permit the continued use of the current coat of arms beyond the original deadline.

In June, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo ordered the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago to halt printing of the new TT$100 polymer bill, which features the redesigned coat of arms. Tancoo cited no reason at the time for the move.

The new coat of arms was unanimously approved in the House of Representatives on January 13, showing the image of a gold steelpan and pansticks where Columbus’ ships were, with the then Keith Rowley government saying the change was part of the effort to remove ‘painful colonial vestiges of our past’.

The redesign itself has sparked widespread criticism. Citizens, historians, and artists have challenged both the symbolism and the process by which it was introduced. .’

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit Tuesday said that Dominicans with a valid United States visa will be able to travel to the North American country even though Washington had issued earlier this month a proclamation implementing partial restrictions on their entry from January 1 next year.

In a nationwide radio address, Skerrit said that he had received clarification from the United States regarding the announcement of the Presidential Proclamation made on December 16.

He said that at this time, the proclamation itself has not been formally withdrawn or suspended, ‘however, critical clarifications have been provided regarding its application and scope. ‘There is no specified suspension period at this stage. Discussions are ongoing, and the Government continues to engage US authorities with the objective of reversing all restrictions affecting Dominican nationals.’

Skerrit said that a first formal review will take place 90 days after January 1, next year and that ‘the measures will remain in effect until the identified areas of concern are determined to have been addressed’.

But he said Dominican nationals who already hold valid US visas can continue to travel after January 1 next year and that the government has received confirmation that Dominican nationals who hold valid US visas, including tourist, business, student and other categories, ‘may continue to travel to the United States and its territories as is customary, subject to standard US immigration laws and entry requirements.

‘This clarification reaffirms the continuity of lawful travel and provides reassurance to students, families, business travellers and others with existing visas. Importantly, no valid US visas are being revoked as a result of the proclamation,’ Skerrit said.

Last Tuesday, President Donald Trump in his latest executive order said that apart from Antigua and Barbuda, nationals from Dominica and Haiti would also be affected by the immigration policy.

Trump said some of these countries identified in an earlier proclamation, had offered Citizenship by Investment (CBI) without residency, which poses challenges for screening and vetting purposes.

Under the CBI programme, several Caribbean countries including Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica offer citizenship to foreign investors in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of these countries.

Trump said both Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica have ‘historically had CBI without residency’ and that the entry into the United States of nationals of these two countries as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, is hereby suspended.

He said consular officers shall reduce the validity for any other nonimmigrant visa issued to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica ‘to the extent permitted by law.

Trump said in its latest executive order justifying the action taken against the Caribbean countries that ‘as an example, a foreign national from a country that is subject to travel restrictions could purchase CBI from a second country that is not subject to travel restrictions, obtain a passport in the citizenship of that second country, and subsequently apply for a United States visa for travel to the United States, thus evading the travel restrictions on his or her first country.

‘ Additionally, United States law enforcement and the Department of State have found that, historically, CBI programmes have been susceptible to several risks. These risks include allowing an individual to conceal his or her identity and assets to circumvent travel restrictions or financial or banking restrictions,’ he said.

In his broadcast, Prime Minister Skerrit said that he wanted to provide an update on his government’s ongoing engagement with Washington on the issue and that from the outset, Roseau has treated this matter with ‘urgency, seriousness and respect for the sovereignty of the United States.

‘We fully recognise the right of every nation to protect its national security and public safety. Dominica shares those objectives, and our cooperation with the United States has always been guided by that shared commitment.’

He said that discussions have been held with US officials aimed at clarifying the scope and practical implications of the proclamation, determining how it would affect Dominican nationals as well as assessing whether reforms already implemented by Dominica satisfy the conditions referenced in the proclamation

‘In parallel, the Government formally wrote to the President of the United States seeking clarification and urgent dialogue, in keeping with the spirit of partnership outlined in the Proclamation itself.’

Skerrit, who sought to place the entire issue ‘in its proper context’ told the nation that over the past several years, particularly throughout 2024 and 2025, Dominica has worked closely with US authorities through multiple channels to address all concerns raised regarding the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme

He said on October 14, this year, Dominica became the first member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to enact comprehensive legislative reforms to its CBI programme.

He said that these reforms included enhanced and enforceable residency requirements, stricter controls on name changes, strengthened due diligence and background checks, increased financial transparency as well as expanded powers to revoke citizenship and recall passports where necessary.

He said there was also the establishment of an independent regulatory authority and that ‘these measures reflect Dominica’s commitment to operating the programme at the highest international standards and in full alignment with US and international security expectations’.

Skerrit said that following the clarification received from Washington, Dominicans without US visas can continue to apply for visas after January 1 next year.

‘ Applications may continue to be submitted. However, while applications can be made, new visas cannot be issued while the restriction remains in place for those affected by the Proclamation.’

He said that the government ‘at this time’ has not been advised of ‘any new or additional visa application requirements specific to Dominican nationals beyond existing US immigration processes and that ‘should this change, the public will be informed promptly’.

He said in summary that the restriction announced earlier this month ‘applies to Dominican citizens who do not hold valid US visas’ and ‘does not affect Dominican nationals who already possess valid visas (and) does not revoke existing visas.

‘Dominica values its strong and long-standing relationship with the United States, including close cooperation in maritime security, law enforcement and regional stability. We remain fully committed to cooperation, transparency and shared security objectives.

‘The Government will continue its engagement with the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown and the State Department in Washington with the goal of resolving this matter constructively and reversing all restrictions affecting Dominican nationals.’

Skerrit said that he wanted to assure the public that the government is acting ‘decisively, responsibly and in the best interest of Dominican citizens.

‘We will continue to provide accurate, timely updates as discussions progress. Dominica remains open to dialogue at all levels and is confident that continued engagement will lead to a resolution consistent with mutual respect and the strength of our bilateral relationship, ‘ he said in the broadcast.

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) says one person is assisting their investigations after mercury, valued at GUY$18 million I(One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) had been smuggled into the country from neighbouring Suriname.

CANU said that the mercury was intercepted on Sunday at Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. CANU said that Guyana is working to eliminate the use of mercury, which is highly toxic, from the processing of gold because it gets into the food chain through air, water, marine species such as fish, and the soil.

It said that the seized product was found in a car shortly after it was intercepted.

‘A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several parcels of a highly toxic and strictly controlled substance, which was later confirmed to be mercury,’ CANU said in a statement.

It said that the suspect had been detained and that a preliminary evaluation revealed that the seized substance has an estimated street value of GUY$18 million.

It said the substance was then handed over to the Ministry of Natural Resources for ‘specialised processing and disposal’.

Caribbean-American New York State Democratic Assemblyman, Brian Cunningham, has condemned the Trump administration’s termination of the Family Reunification Parole programme for Haitian and Cuban families, alongside continued rollbacks of Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Cunningham, the son of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Tuesday that the administration’s unrelenting assault on Caribbean and other immigrants is deeply troubling. ‘As the son of Jamaican immigrants and a representative of Crown Heights, Flatbush, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens (in Brooklyn), I know that immigration policy is about real families and real communities, not abstract politics,’ he said.

‘The Trump administration’s decision to terminate Family Reunification Parole for Haitian and Cuban families, alongside continued rollbacks of Temporary Protected Status, is deeply harmful and fundamentally unfair.

‘In the neighborhoods I represent, Haitian families are not a talking point. They are small business owners, health care workers, faith leaders, and neighbors who have built their lives here while following lawful processes created by the federal government itself,’ Cunningham added.

He said that Family Reunification Parole exists because the immigration system is severely backlogged, with visa wait times stretching for years and ending this programme and stripping work authoriation from families who relied on it in good faith does not strengthen the system.

It destabilizes households, undermines trust in legal pathways, and places long-standing communities in unnecessary fear., he said, adding that for Haitian families in particular, this decision is especially devastating, given the ongoing humanitarian and security crises they face.

‘Programmes like TPS and Family Reunification Parole have allowed families to remain safe, together, and stable while contributing to the economic and cultural life of Brooklyn.’

The assemblyman said Caribbean immigrants are ‘essential to the identity and vitality of our borough,’ stating that ‘policies that tear families apart weaken our neighborhoods and betray the values of fairness, dignity, and opportunity that should guide our laws.

‘I stand with Haitian and Cuban families across Brooklyn and will continue working with my colleagues at every level of government to restore protections, keep families together, and pursue immigration policies that reflect both humanity and common sense,’ he added.

Cunningham said he has been pressing ‘consistently state and federal partners to address immigration backlogs, protect humanitarian relief programs, and center family unity in policy decisions.’

He said his office has remained in close coordination with community leaders, legal advocates, and fellow lawmakers, and he has pledged to continue using his platform and legislative role to ‘fight for restored protections and durable, humane immigration solutions for the families who call Brooklyn home.’

The San Diego, California-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) has also condemned the Trump administration’s policy for families from Haiti and Cuba, as well as from Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, stripping them of work authorisation.

‘It is a white nationalist attack on Black and Brown immigrant communities dressed up in bureaucratic language about ‘security’ and ‘common-sense’ policy,’ HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef told CMC.

‘Let’s be clear: this is not about security. This is about an administration using racist, nativist scare tactics to dismantle lawful family reunification and terrorise Black and Brown immigrants.

‘Family Reunification Parole was created to keep families together and provide a safe, legal pathway while people waited for visas that the US government itself told them would take years.

‘Now those same families-many of them Haitian-are being punished for trusting the system. It is state violence, it is anti-Black, and it is an unacceptable betrayal of basic human dignity.’

Jozef said this latest decision comes on the heels of the administration’s move to terminate TPS for Haiti, Ethiopia, and other countries

Jozef said the decision follows Trump’s Executive Order 14165, which ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate ‘categorical parole programs as part of the administration’s broader anti-immigrant agenda.’

In the Federal Registrar, DHS said it was terminating the FRP programmes as of December 15, 2025.

‘The temporary parole period of aliens who have been paroled into the United States under the FRP programmes, and whose initial period of parole has not already expired by January 14, 2026 will terminate on that date,’ DHS said.

Police say a 61-year-old Chinese businessman was killed and another wounded during a robbery in Canje, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) on Monday.

Police said that Chen Yongping, a businessman from Cumberland Village in East Canje Berbice died as a result of the assault while 32-year-old Cheng Dongrong, who is also a businessman from the same area is receiving medical treatment.

The police said that Dongrong and Yongping ran a food business at the site of the attack, where they produce and package various types of chips.

Dongrong told investigators that he and Yongping had gone to the market to buy cassava and as they were re-entering their premises, two men suddenly rushed them armed with knives.

Tragically, one of the assailants stabbed Yongping in the abdomen and twice in the inner thigh before attacking Dongrong with a blow to the head.

The Chinese nationals were taken to the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital an despite efforts to save him, Yongping died from his injuries.

The bandits are reported to have made off with an iPhone 12 Pro Max valued at $322,000 (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents), belonging to Yongping, as well as GUY$150,000 cash and another iPhone 12 Pro Max worth GUY$342,000.

Police say they have obtained CCTV footage from a nearby business, which is currently being reviewed.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Monday, December 22, 2025.

GEORGETOWN – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, Monday said that the challenges faced by the 15-member regional integration grouping ‘have thrown our vulnerabilities into sharp relief, and more than ever’ while underscoring the purpose and value of a united region

ST. JOHN’S – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reiterated his call for his Trinidad and Tobago counterpart, Kamla Persad-Bissessar to ‘produce the evidence’ that the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) including Antigua and Barbuda has aligned itself with ‘the Maduro narco government headed by a dictator’ in Venezuela.

ROSEAU – Prime Minster Roosevelt Skerrit says he remains optimistic that the new year will bring continued investments, further reforms, and renewed focus on improving the quality of life for all Dominicans.

CASTRIES – The St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission says member countries with a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme have been conducting ‘frank, technical, and solutions-oriented’ discussions with the United States on their programmes.

PORT AU PRINCE – The Mayor of Port-au-Prince, Ralph Youri Chevry, Monday announced that he had filed a lawsuit with the Port-au-Prince Criminal Court after the authorities conduted a near three-hour search of his residence, conducted without a warrant or explanation.

KINGSTOWN – Less than a month after winning the November 27 general elections, the New Democratic Party (NDP) administration has met with Kingstown-based diplomats, including the Taiwan ambassador, despite the party’s previously stated position that, if elected to office, it would sever ties with Taipei.

SPORTS:

MOUNT MAUNGANUI – The West Indies went down by 323 runs to New Zealand on the fifth day of the third and final Test here at the Bay Oval on Monday.

The College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT) says it is aware of a comment made on social media attributed to an individual identified as an employee of the institution.

‘COSTATT wishes to make it clear that views expressed by employees on their personal social media platforms are made in a private capacity and do not represent the official position, values or views of the College ‘ COSTATT said in a statement.

While COSTATT did not name the employee, media reports here said that the person in question is one of the College’s lecturers, who took to social media to support the government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

In the comment made on Facebook under a story carried by TV6 News, the individual wrote: ‘Go the (expletive) back to Africa, and you’ll be out of it! Learn to temper your stink mouth in UNC (United National Congress) Country’ and ‘PNM (People’s National Movement) will remain in opposition forever’.

In another comment posted on the site on November 30, the same individual wrote that ‘Kamla is God in Trinidad so once you choose to be in Trinidad UNC Country then Kamla owns you. Stop beating up like a wet fowl and acknowledge your boss Kamla.’

In its statement, COSTATT said it is a public institution ‘firmly committed to equal access to education and opportunity for all.

‘The College does not condone racism, discriminate or hate speech in any form. Respect for diversity, across race, religion ethnicity, gender and culture is central to our mission and to the communities we serve.

‘As an institution dedicated to to education, social mobility and national development, COSTATT upholds the principles of fairness, inclusion and mutual respect, and repects all members of its community to act in a manner consistent with these values’.

COSTATT said that the matter is being addressed in accordance with its established policies and procedures and that it ‘remains committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful learning and working environment for students, staff and stakeholders’.

COSTAATT was established on October 27, 2000, by an Act of Parliament merging several existing institutions to form a single, multi-campus community college for broader tertiary education access in the country.