Category: CANA News

In a tension-soaked, low-scoring classic at the Zayed Cricket Stadium here on Monday, the Sharjah Warriorz snatched a dramatic four-wicket victory off the very last ball against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, injecting high drama into the DP World ILT20 playoff race.

Sherfane Rutherford of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders plays a shot during Match 25 of the DP World International League T20 between the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and the Sharjah Warriorz, held at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 22nd December 2025.

Chasing a modest 135, the Warriorz’ innings mirrored the Knight Riders’ own stuttering progress, culminating in a nerve-shredding finale.

Requiring 12 runs from the final over, the cool-headed duo of James Rew and Adil Rashid managed to scrape home, with Rew sealing the win with a decisive final stroke to finish on an unbeaten 42 from just 29 balls.

The victory, powered by Rew’s composure and a vital 57-run partnership with Sikandar Raza, who made 28, lifts the Warriorz to six points, setting up a ferocious battle for the remaining postseason spots with two group games left.

The match was decisively shaped in the power play of the first innings, where the Warriorz’ new-ball attack wreaked havoc.

Taskin Ahmed and Wasim Akram unleashed carnage, reducing the Knight Riders to a disastrous 10-4 inside four overs.

Akram’s wicket maiden to dismiss Liam Livingstone marked the first ever bowled by a UAE player in the league’s history.

A recovery of sorts was mounted by West Indian Sherfane Rutherford, whose combative 44 off 36 balls, and a 52-run stand with Unmukt Chand (24), dragged the Knight Riders to respectability.

A late blitz from Andre Russell (18) and Jason Holder (14), who clobbered 25 runs off Taskin’s 19th over, threatened a strong finish.

However, Adil Rashid’s triple-wicket intervention in the death overs, including removing both set hitters, restricted the Knight Riders to 134-9.

In reply, the Warriorz found themselves in similar dire straits at 38-3, stifled by early strikes from Holder and Ajay Kumar. Tom Kohler-Cadmore, 30, and Raza, 28, began the rebuild, but it was the arrival of James Rew that changed the tempo.

Counter-attacking against Russell and rotating strike intelligently, Rew guided his side to the brink before the equation tightened.

Skipper Holder’s superb penultimate over, conceding just three runs, set up a grandstand finish. But Rew, embodying ice-cool temperament, partnered with Rashid to navigate the final six balls and secure a priceless two points for Sharjah, leaving the Knight Riders to rue a top-order collapse that ultimately proved insurmountable.

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.

In the latest spat between the two regional leaders, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar reiterated her condemnation of the 15-member regional grouping, saying CARICCOM is supporting Maduro ‘who has imprisoned or killed thousands of Venezuelans who oppose him.

‘Trinidad and Tobago wants no part of that alignment, we don’t support dictatorship and drug trafficking and we don’t support CARICOM in their zone of peace fakery.

‘Gaston and Ronald Sanders should worry less about my comments and spend more time explaining to their citizens as to why their visas were restricted,” she said in her latest post on X.

But in a statement on Facebook, Prime Minister Browne said ‘we never sought the support or solidarity of CARICOM, or Trinidad and Tobago on the issue with the United States, we resolved the issue on our own volition.

‘However, we were dismayed by the gaslighting of the issue by PM of Trinidad and Tobago, who falsely stated that we have been ‘badmouthing’ the United States,’ Browne said, adding ‘that is an outright lie; I challenge her once again to produce the evidence’.

Last week, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar in a warning to her fellow citizens spoke against ‘bad-talking’ Washington when thousands of Trinidad and Tobago nationals have US visas ‘because people like to go and visit the US’ and that this country remained in partnership with the US and more so if Trinidad and Tobago were to be attacked, ‘who will stand up to defend us?’ .

‘Careful you don’t end up like Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica.bad-mouthing the US and guess what happened.all their visas rescinded now,’ she told those attending the ruling United National Congress (UNC) Christmas Supper at the Diplomatic Centre.

But Browne said that ‘no evidence has been offered because none exists,’ to support the statement by the Trinidad and Tobago leader.

In her statement, Persad-Bissessar said that Venezuela has been threatening to invade Guyana for years and since last June they began making similar threats that Trinidad and Tobago is a part of Venezuela.

‘Yet CARICOM has chosen to support the Maduro narco government through the fake zone of peace narrative which is clearly designed to get the American military to leave the Caribbean region and therefore enable Maduro to remain as dictator in Venezuela.

My priority is in the best interests of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago,’ she added.

The state-owned Investment Facilitation Center (CFI) is warning Haitians against participating in a scam circulating on social media offering a purported investment scheme with promises of substantial financial returns under the name ‘Haiti Investment-CFI’.

The CFI said that the false advertisement is using its name and logo on Facebook under the heading ‘Trading forex’ and that it ‘has NO connection whatsoever with this fraudulent activity’.

The CFI said it does not offer any such investment scheme, neither has it ever solicited financial investments from the public.

‘This use of our name and logo is ILLEGAL and FRAUDULENT. NEVER transfer any money to this organization,’ the CFI said, reminding the public that it ‘is the government agency responsible for promoting and facilitating private investment in Haiti.

‘We assist entrepreneurs and investors with their administrative and regulatory procedures. We do not manage investment funds nor do we promise financial returns,’ it added.

Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has appointed two members of his former cabinet as opposition senators in the new Parliament, which formally opens on Tuesday.

Gonsalves, whose Unity Labour Party (ULP) was voted out of office on November. 27 as it sought an unprecedented six consecutive term in office, hinted that neither he or the two senators, Carlos James and Keisal Peters, might attend Tuesday’s ceremonial opening of Parliament.

James, the former minister of tourism, civil aviation, sustainable development and culture was defeated by current West Indies Cricket president, Dr. Kishore Shallow, for for the North Leeward seat as the New Democratic Party (NDP) won a 14-1 majority in the election.

Peters, who created history by becoming St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ first female minister of foreign affairs, failed to unseat the NDP’s Daniel Cummings in West Kingstown, who was re-elected to a fourth consecutive term in office.

Gonsalves announced the senatorial appointments in a social media video on Monday in which he extended Christmas greetings and promised to address national issues.

‘And there are many of them to talk about, but now is not the time for that. Now is the time for love and brotherhood and sisterhood and good neighbourliness and solidarity,’ said Gonsalves, who was prime minister from March 2001 until last month’s polls.

He said that Peters was in New York with her mother, who is recovering from an operation.

‘And I am not sure whether I will be at the first sitting of the Parliament, the formal opening of Parliament, to take the Oath of Allegiance, nor am I sure that Carlos would be there, too. There are some security matters which have to be worked out,’ Gonsalves said, but did not elaborate.

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

In an end of year message, Barnett said that on the heels of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, Hurricane Melissa in October this year left death and destruction in its wake in Jamaica and in Haiti.

‘Recovery will take considerable resources and time. In addition, unprecedented geopolitical headwinds threatened export earnings, regional peace, and sovereignty.’

Barnett said that amid these and other challenges, CARICOM’s ‘characteristic resilience shone through’ noting the region ‘pulled together urgently to help address critical needs in the aftermath of the devastating hurricanes, and pivoted creatively to safeguard businesses and livelihoods’.

The region’s top public servant said that ‘commendable progress’ had been made in the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region.

(Details in Politics section)

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.

‘There will be challenges, but we face them together, united, resilient, and confident in our shared destiny. Let us enter the New Year with renewed faith in ourselves and in our country. Let us strengthen the bonds that unite us, extend kindness where it is needed, and recommit ourselves to building a Dominica that leaves no one behind,’ Skerrit said in a Christmas and New Years message released here on Monday.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

Skerrit, the longest-serving head of government, who assumed office on January 8, 2004, following the death of his predecessor, Pierre Charles, said that the Christmas Season provides an opportunity for reflection.

‘It reminds us of the enduring values of love, compassion, humility, and service to others. It is a time when families gather, communities reconnect, and we are encouraged to look beyond ourselves and care for the vulnerable, the elderly, the sick, and those who may be facing hardship. These values have always defined us as a people, and they continue to guide us as a nation.’

But he said as Dominicans reflect on the year now drawing to a close, they should do so with a deep sense of gratitude and pride, noting that 2025 was a year of ‘determined effort, steady progress, and meaningful achievements.

‘In a world still grappling with economic uncertainty, climate shocks, and geopolitical instability, Dominica continued to move forward with confidence and purpose,’ he said, adding that ‘this year, we took decisive action to protect working families and restore dignity to labour through the implementation of a revised minimum wage’.

Skerrit said that this policy reflects his administration’s firm belief that no one who works hard should struggle to survive.

‘We also acted to reduce the cost of living by removing VAT (value added tax) and customs duties on essential food items, putting real relief into the pockets of households across the country.’

He said the country also continued to invest heavily in housing, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the growth sectors as part of a comprehensive vision to build a resilient, inclusive, and opportunity-rich Dominica.

But he said that one of the most significant milestones this year has been the continued advancement of the international airport project in Wesley in the northeastern side of the island that is due to open in 2027.

‘This is a transformational investment in Dominica’s future, which will open new doors for tourism, trade, education, investment, and global connectivity. The project is progressing steadily and responsibly, providing employment for hundreds of Dominicans and laying the foundation for long-term economic growth and opportunity for our young people.’

Skerrit said that he is acutely aware that development must be pursued responsibly and sustainably.

‘We remain committed to protecting our natural environment while advancing projects that are essential to national progress. Development and environmental stewardship are not opposing forces; they must go hand in hand, and this Government will continue to ensure that they do.’

He praised also Dominicans residing in the diaspora, saying ‘your continued support, advocacy, and investment remain invaluable. You are, and will always be, an integral part of the Dominican family’

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.

‘This legal action aims to obtain justice in the face of an intervention that I consider illegal and arbitrary, and to reiterate that no one is above the law, regardless of their position,’ Chevry said in a statement.

Mayor of Port-au-Prince, Ralph Youri Chevry

‘My approach is neither personal nor political: it is rooted in respect for the Constitution, the rule of law, and the right of every citizen to the protection of their fundamental freedoms. I have faith in the justice system of my country,’ he added.

Chevry said that on December 13, he was awakened by gunshots and his dog ‘unjustifiably killed’.

He said that Fritz Patterson Dorval, the Government Commissioner of Port-au-Prince, accompanied by several armed men wearing uniforms from various units of the Haitian National Police, including specialized units, ‘violated’ his home.

He insisted that the pupose of the search ‘was not formally communicated to me’ and that at no stage a warrant was presented to him.

‘One of my security agents was arrested and then released in Delmas. During this intervention, no charges were brought against me,’ he said, adding that following the operation, ‘the PNH (Haitian National POlice)weapons provided for my security were confiscated.

He said these included a Galil AC 22 (Taurus), a T4, an AR-15, as well as a communication radio, ammunition, and a surveillance drone.

Chevry said that under the Code of Criminal Procedure, any search must be authorised by a competent judge, accompanied by a reasoned warrant, and executed in the presence of witnesses.

He said this necessitates legal clarification regarding the absence of a warrant and formal notification, in accordance with the principles of the rule of law.

‘I cooperated calmly and responsibly, respecting the institutions, while acknowledging the specific circumstances of this operation. I reaffirm my commitment to the rule of law, respect for legal procedures, and transparency. I also remain devoted to my hometown, Port-au-Prince, and to my beloved country, Haiti,’ Chevry added.

The authorities have made no official statement on the issue.

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.