Category: CANA News

Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday, all but dismissed the two election petitions filed by the defeated candidates of the main opposition Unity Labour Party (ULP)challenging his victory of Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday and that of his Foreign Affairs Minister, Fitz Bramble in the November 27 general elections.

‘Well, what I would say . is that this is the Christmas season. The people gave us an overwhelming mandate, even after they campaigned about all the things that they wanted to raise, which I suppose they will raise in their petition,’ Prime Minister Friday told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

Carlos Williams and Luke Browne are challenging the victories of Friday and Bramble in the Northern Grenadines and the East Kingstown after the New Democratic Party (NDP) won an overwhelming 14-1 seat majority, ending the 25 year rule of the ULP.

The two defeated candidates want the High Court to rule that the election victory of Friday and Bramble are invalid because they were not qualified to be nominated as candidates, given that they are both hold Canadian citizenship.

The nomination of Friday, who has been representing the Northern Grenadines since March 2001 and Bramble, who was first elected to Parliament in November 2020, had become an issue in the lead up to the elections, with the ULP challenging their nominations on Nomination Day.

Notices published in the local media also urged voters not to ‘waste’ their ballots voting for either of the two NDP candidates, pointing to section 26 (1) of the Constitution of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which states ‘No person shall be qualified to be elected or appointed as a Representative or Senator (hereinafter in this section referred to as a ‘member’) if he –

(a) is by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state’.

The media notices also pointed to the statutory declaration that a candidate is required to sign, which states ‘That I am duly qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly for this constituency, and that – . I am not by virtue of my own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state’.

The notices said that both Friday and Bramble are citizens of Canada.

However, both Prime Minister Friday and Bramble have argued that the Constitution makes special accommodation for Commonwealth citizens, including allowing them to contest elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, even if they are not Vincentian citizens.

Prime Minister Friday, who spoke to CMC as he participated in the first VAT-free shopping day announced by his administration since coming into office, said ‘we are here to serve the people. This is the Christmas season.

‘Today is VAT-free shopping day, and the Grinch will not steal this Christmas from the people. OK? That is what I have to say about that,’ Friday said with a chuckle.

VAT-free shopping twice a year was among some of the promises the NDP made to Vincentians as part of efforts to counter what it said was a cost-of-living crisis in the country.

Prior to the election and ahead of Nomination Day, then prime minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, had indicated that the issue of candidates being elected to Parliament while having dual citizenship will be taken to court.

Gonsalves, who was seeking an unprecedented sixth consecutive term as head of government, confirmed that the ULP had attempted to prevent Friday and Bramble, from being nominated as candidates for the elections because of their Canadian citizenship.

Both Bramble and Friday were born in St Vincent and the Grenadines but obtained Canadian citizenship as adults.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders Friday night uregd a quick resolution to the decision by the United States preventing or limiting the entry of nationals from three CARICOM countries from entering the North American country.

‘ The Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has noted with concern the proclamation issued by the Government of the United States on 16 December 2025 imposing partial entry restrictions on nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and the Commonwealth of Dominica,’ the leaders said in a statement late Friday night.

The Bureau, comprising the prime ministers of Barbados, Grenada, and Jamaica, with the CARICOM Secretary-General serving as an ex-officio member, said it recognises the right of countries to implement policies regulating entry to their borders.

‘Nevertheless, the Bureau expresses concern that this decision was taken without prior consultation, especially in circumstances of its potential adverse effects on legitimate travel, people-to-people exchanges, and the social and economic well-being of these small states.’

On Tuesday, President 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.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Saturday said the 15-member regional integration grouping, CARICOM will not determine the future of her twin island republic and that it ‘is not a reliable partner at this time’.

‘An organisation that chooses to disparage our greatest ally the United States but lends support to the Maduro narco-government headed by a dictator who has imprisoned and killed thousands of civilians and opposition members as well as threatened two CARICOM members is one that has clearly lost its way,’ Persad-Bissessar said in a statement.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar

She said that on December 16, the US government issued a fact sheet outlining the decision by President Donald Trump to further restrict and limit the entry of certain foreign nationals in the interest of United States national security.

‘The fact sheet detailed the justification for the partial suspension of entry for immigrants and nonimmigrants under the B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visa categories, and referenced the historical operation of Citizenship by Investment programmes without residency requirements in both Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda.

‘I have taken note of a subsequent statement issued by the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). In its statement, the Bureau expressed concern about the restrictions that the US government announced on December 16, 2025.’

Persad-Bissessar said that she was advising citizens of Trinidad and Tobago that Port of Spain ‘is not a party to the statement issued by the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government.

‘I acknowledge the right of the Bureau of the Conference to express its views. However, the Trinidad and Tobago government maintains its own position on the matter and recognises the sovereign right of the United States to make decisions in furtherance of its best interests.

‘I hold the view that every sovereign state is responsible for its foreign and domestic policy choices and must be prepared to accept the concomitant consequences. The exercise of power by the United States of America to advance their best interests must therefore be seen as a measured response to the conduct of other nations in the realities of the current environments that they place themselves in’.

In its statement, the CARICOM Bureau, made up of the prime ministers of Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada, said it had taken note of the visa situation and that while it ‘recognises the right of countries to implement policies regulating entry to their borders, nevertheless, the Bureau expresses concern that this decision was taken without prior consultation, especially in circumstances of its potential adverse effects on legitimate travel, people-to-people exchanges, and the social and economic well-being of these small states’.

The CARICOM Bureau said it is also concerned about the lack of clarity regarding the status of existing visas after 1 January 2026.

‘The Bureau urges an early engagement by the United States with the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica to clarify the proclamation and address outstanding concerns, consistent with the strong and longstanding partnership between the United States of America and CARICOM.

‘CARICOM remains committed to dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect, shared interests and the rule of law as we seek to secure the prosperity of the region and its citizens,’ it added.

But Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has been critical of the Bureau’s statement, saying despite being advised by him ‘that the issue was resolved and that it would be superfluous circulating this statement after the fact,’ CARICOM still went ahead and issued a statement.

He said the CARICOM position came ‘especially in consideration of their inertia and initial luke warm support’.

Prime Minister Browne also took the opportunity to criticise an unnamed CARICOM leader saying that it had been ‘brought to my attention, that one of our colleague heads, instead of standing in solidarity, publicly accused us of cursing the US administration. I challenge that leader to back her statement with facts.

‘The inertia and insularity within CARICOM continue to undermine the effectiveness of our integration movement,’ Browne wrote, adding that ‘however, as a hardcore integrationist and an eternal optimist, I remain hopeful for a stronger and more effective integration movement’.

In her statement, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar her government ‘does not bind itself to the political ideologies or foreign, economic and security policies of any other CARICOM member government.

‘Member governments are free to make decisions in the best interests of their citizens,’ she said, adding ‘CARICOM is not a reliable partner at this time.

‘The fact is that beneath the thin mask of unity, there are many widening fissures that if left unaddressed will lead to its implosion. The organisation is deteriorating rapidly due to poor management, lax accountability, factional divisions, destabilising policies, private conflicts between regional leaders and political parties and the inappropriate meddling in the domestic politics of member states. That’s the plain truth. ‘

Persad-Bissessar said that CARICOM cannot continue to operate in ‘this dysfunctional and self-destructive manner as it is a grave disservice to the people of the Caribbean.

‘The Caribbean community must face the rot within the organisation with transparency and honesty. Hiding behind the glibness of diplomacy, fake sophistication and false narratives is self-defeating’.

She warned of ‘repercussions’ for supporting supporting Maduro, adding ‘we must all live with the consequences of our actions.

‘Our citizens can rest assured that I will always make decisions that put Trinidad and Tobago first,’ she added.

Kavem Hodge scored a resilient, unbeaten century as West Indies made New Zealand toil for the entire day in a rare show of commitment by their batsmen, to leave the third Test interestingly poised after three days.

Hodge ended the day on 109 not out, his second Test century and first in over 17 months, to help propel the visitors to 381 for six at the Bay Oval, still some 194 runs in arrears of New Zealand’s massive first innings total of 575 for eight declared.

However, what is worrisome for the Windies is the fact that they may be without the services of both the inspirational Shai Hope and Kemar Roach.

There has been no sign of Hope yet, their best batter, who is reportedly unwell and holed up in the team’s hotel since Friday, while Roach’s availability for the remainder of the match is questionable after he suffered a hamstring injury on the opening day while bowling.

If they are unable to bat, it would mean only Jayden Seales remains.

Luckily for the Windies, Hodge’s efforts along with those of the top and middle order, ensured they avoided the follow-on, although they will be hoping to make further inroads when play resumes on Sunday’s fourth day. Despite their commendable performance with the bat thus far, several West Indies batsmen would have been disappointed not to have pushed on after getting promising starts.

Resuming the day in a strong position of 110 without loss, New Zealand struck early when pacer Jacob Duffy had John Campbell caught at second slip in the day’s third over, with the left-hander failing to add to his overnight score of 45.

Hodge joined Brandon King at the crease, and the pair looked comfortable until Duffy bowled the latter off his pads with an inswinger for 63 to reduce the visitors to 140 for two.

Hodge, who started nervously, began to find his rhythm and when pacer Michael Rae served up three poor deliveries, he was hit for three successive boundaries, the last, a crunching pull that raced away to the midwicket boundary in the blink of an eye.

He brought up his half century just before lunch, and together with Tevin Imlach, shared a 66-run partnership to take the score to 206 for two at the break.

But as has been the case throughout the entire series, the West Indies lost a wicket almost immediately after the restart, with Imlach being caught behind chasing a wide delivery from Rae to be out for 27.

Alick Athanaze looked in superb nick in his knock of 45 off 57 balls, dominating a 61-run stand for the fourth wicket with Hodge.

However, with a half century imminent, Athanaze was unlucky to be bowled by spinner Ajaz Patel by a wide delivery down the leg side that ricocheted off his leg and onto the stumps, to leave the score 267 for four.

Hodge all the while continued to trudge on, and by the tea interval he had reached 83, with the Windies 310 for four.

Similar to Athanaze, Justin Greaves look untroubled during his innings of 43, combining with Hodge to add 81 crucial runs for the fifth wicket.

In search of a bowler to break the partnership, New Zealand captain Tom Latham turned to part-time spinner Daryl Mitchell, and he responded by trapping Greaves lbw with a full, straight delivery that the batsman played all around.

And when skipper Roston Chase’s nightmare tour continued when he was trapped lbw by Patel for just two, the West Indies were in danger of not avoiding the follow on at 351 for six.

Hodge. who survived some nervous moments in the 90s, including being hit in the groin and having to seek medical attention, eventually reached three figures with an audacious pull of Rae for four.

His unbroken 30-run partnership with Phillip took the Windies past the follow-on score of 375, but they will be hoping for much more come Sunday, including the services of Hope and Roach to carry on the fight.

Hodge has so far faced 254 balls and hit 14 boundaries in his unbeaten knock.

West Indies trail New Zealand by 194 runs after reaching 381 for six at the close of play on the third day of the third and final Test here at the Bay Oval on Saturday.

NEW ZEALAND 575-8 dec’d.

WEST INDIES 381-6 in 113 overs (Kavem Hodge 109 not out, Brandon King 63, John Campbell 45, Alick Athanaze 45, Justin Greaves 43, Tevin Imlach 27, Anderson Phillip 12 not out; Jacob Duffy 2-79, Ajaz Patel 2-94).

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Friday said a male relative is assisting their investigations into a triple murder which occurred in the Frazersfield area of Rocky Point, Clarendon, south of here on Thursday night.

A JCF statement said that preliminary reports indicate that the police were alerted to an incident at a residence in the community and on their arrival, three persons were found with chop wounds and were later pronounced dead at the scene.

The police have identified them as Lynval Henry, 32, a fisherman, Annette Lindo, a domestic helper and vendor and Ingrid Keisha Lindo, a vendor.

Police said that a male relative has been taken into custody and is assisting investigators. No charges have been laid at this time.

‘The JCF has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and is continuing enquiries to establish the sequence of events that led to the deaths,’ the JCF statement said, adding that ‘anyone with information that may assist the investigation is being asked to contact the police or Crime Stopper.

Premier David Burt says his ruling Progressive Labour Party (PLP) administration has kept its campaign promise and balance the national budget recording the first time in Bermuda’s history in 20 years, a surplus of US$29 million.

Burt spoke at a news conference to launch the pre-budget consultation period and the Fiscal Responsibility Panel Report for 2025, which provides a thorough assessment of the recent progress, including the introduction of the Corporate Income Tax, and outlines key recommendations to ensure long-term fiscal resilience. He told reporters that upon re-entering office in 2017, the PLP made a commitment to return Bermuda to a position of fiscal strength by balancing the budget.

‘I am proud to say that we have delivered on that promise. In the previous fiscal year of 2024/25, the government of Bermuda recorded a budget surplus of US$29 million, the first budget surplus in over 20 years. For the first time in two decades, the Consolidated Fund, took in more money than was spent. This is an overwhelmingly positive development for Bermuda,’ Burt said.

He said that this view is strongly supported by the independent Fiscal Responsibility Panel which stated in its most recent report that ‘Bermuda’s fiscal position is now stronger than at any time in two decades’.

Burt said that the most significant aspect of the new situation is that his government has been able to deliver the surplus while staying true to the mission of fairness.

‘We have delivered this surplus while lowering taxes for workers and families, raising pensions for our seniors, increasing scholarships for students, investing in social services, and expanding childcare support for more Bermudian families.

‘And, it must be noted, that this budget surplus was achieved before a single dime of Corporate Income Tax was collected! No Corporate Income Tax (CIT) was collected prior to this surplus.’

He said for the fiscal year 2025/26, the government is anticipating yet another surplus due primarily to CIT revenues, even as he acknowledged that non-CIT revenues are higher than estimated, indicating broader improvement of the economy.

Burt said the successful implementation of Bermuda’s Economic Recovery plan, spear-headed by the Ministry of Economy and Labour has led to better than expected economic performance in every single year since the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘And over the past four years, this PLP government has used this better-than-expected performance to cut taxes for workers and small businesses, while reinvesting in key public services, such as healthcare, education, public safety, and community organisations.’

Burt said that through the US$21.8 million Supplementary Estimate, recently passed in the House of Assembly, the government increased support for the hospital, increased scholarships, digital upgrades, youth services, affordable housing, rehabilitation, more police, stronger borders, and essential government operations.

‘We have allocated US$11 million to support salary agreements for Bermuda Hospitals Board staff, helping to retain and fairly compensate the professionals who care for our community.

We also provided funding for residential treatment services, increased support for seniors and persons with disabilities, and expanded youth and mental health programmes.’

Burt said to improve public safety, the government funded the hiring of new police officers and the purchase of modern equipment for the borders. He said in the education sector, there are more scholarships being provided as well as upgrading technology in public schools.

Burt said the government is also investing in affordable housing projects and improving public infrastructure, including roadways and parks.

Burt told reporters that the new revenues that will be received through CIT will be managed with the same fiscal prudence and long-term focus that has returned the island to surplus.

‘The government is proposing a clear, disciplined fiscal framework that ensures Corporate Income Tax receipts will be used to implement the recommendations of the Tax Reform Commission and reduce debt, build financial reserves, and make strategic investments that serve the long-term interests of Bermuda and its people,’ he added.

Burt said that the forecast shows that net debt will fall from US$3.2 billion to below US$2.5 billion by fiscal year 2027/28, adding ‘that means less of your tax dollars going to interest payments and more being invested in things that matter like healthcare and infrastructure’.

He said that the proposed framework includes two key rules, namely direct rule in which the current budget should remain in balance or surplus, excluding CIT revenues, capital spending, interest payments, and structural transformational investment/healthcare.

He said the debt and assets rule means that over a rolling period of three years, at least 70 per cent of net CIT revenues should be devoted to paying debt interest, reducing net debt, or accumulating net financial assets.

‘This approach is aligned with international best practice and continues the government’s consistent approach to tax reform which the Fiscal Responsibility Panel commented was ‘swift, strategic, and executed with an impressive level of competence,’ Burt said.

He said they also commended the work of the new Corporate Income Tax Agency, saying that its development and early operations have been ‘very impressive and provide a sound foundation for a robust tax administration’.

‘With this solid foundation in place, we must also use CIT revenue wisely to ease the cost of living and doing business in Bermuda which is key point of the press conference as the Pre-Budget Report sets out what the Government is seeking to do in the future,’ Burt said.

He said to this end, the government is considering a number of targeted policy proposals during this consultation period, recommended by the Tax Reform Commission and business stakeholders,.

These proposals include the new proposed fiscal rules to ensure long-term sustainability, including a balanced current budget a three-year debt over asset rule; customs duty reductions, including expanding the list of essential items and revising vehicle duty thresholds to reduce the cost of purchasing a private vehicle and a proposed 10 per cent reduction in vehicle licensing fees included in last year’s budget which will come into place April, 1, 2026.

He said further reductions in employer payroll tax, including eliminating it for employers who retain workers over 65 as well as increasing the local dividend tax exemption threshold from US$10,000 to US$25,000 are also included in the proposals.

Burt said utility tax relief, including reducing or removing customs duties on electricity production even further ‘we have cut them by 80 per cent with a view to eliminate them completely.

‘ Also considering a recommendation of the Tax Reform Commission of eliminating payroll tax on bulk generation, contingent on savings being passed on to consumers.

Payroll tax reductions for lower- and middle-income workers or those making below US$96,000. The expansion of healthcare subsidies for seniors, low-income earners, and the underinsured also recommendations of the Tax Reform Commission,’ Burt told reporters.

Jamaica has guarded welcomed the decision by the United States President, Donald Trump, to expand access to cannabis, regarded as a long anticipated move that would mark the most significant shift in US drug policy in decades.

President Trump on Thursday signed an executive order directing the US attorney general to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I narcotic, to a Schedule III drug – placing it under the same category as Tylenol with codeine.

Cannabis or marijuana will remain illegal at the federal level. But classifying it as a Schedule III narcotic would allow expanded research to be conducted into its potential benefits.

Several Republican lawmakers cautioned against the move, with some arguing it could normalise cannabis use.

The US Drug Enforcement Agency notes that Schedule III narcotics – which also include ketamine and anabolic steroids – have only a ‘moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence’.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce Delano Seiveright said in a statement described the US government’s decision as a ‘major signal in the direction of further liberalisation at the US federal level.

‘Schedule I is the most restrictive category under US law, reserved for substances deemed to have no accepted medical use. Moving cannabis to Schedule III, if completed through the required administrative process, would materially ease barriers to medical and scientific research, expand clinical study opportunities, and alter the operating environment for regulated cannabis activity,’ Seiveright said.

He said that the change reflects the evolving situation in the United States, where 24 states permit adult recreational use and about 40 allow medical use, despite federal restrictions.

For Jamaica, which has decriminalised small amounts of ganja and operates a regulated medical, therapeutic, and scientific cannabis regime overseen by the Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA), the development could be significant.

‘Jamaica’s framework has been deliberately designed to support lawful, research-driven and medically focused activity. However, the continued Schedule I classification in the U.S. has long contributed to banking and correspondent services challenges, elevated compliance costs, and conservative risk assessments by financial institutions,’ Seiveright added.

But he urged caution, saying the ultimate impact on banking access, cross-border investment, research collaboration, and wider market engagement will depend on how the US implements the change and how international financial systems respond.

‘Nevertheless, a US federal move away from Schedule I represents a meaningful and long-awaited shift, and one that could gradually reduce friction for legitimate medical research, scientific innovation and compliant, value-added opportunities for Jamaica over time,’ Seiveright said.

‘The ultimate impact on banking access, cross-border investment, research collaboration and wider market engagement will depend on the final details of US implementation and how international compliance and financial ecosystems respond,’ Seiveright said.

The United Nations has launched a ‘Humanitarian Needs and Response’ for Haiti, as the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country continues to deal with a socio-economic and security situation.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator, Nicole Kouassi, said that the Plan seeks US$880 million to support 4.2 million vulnerable Haitians out of 6.4 million people who need aid and are bearing the brunt of violence at the hands of armed groups. The Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) said that internal displacement triggered by armed violence has doubled in a year and that in September this year, nearly 1.4 million people were internally displaced, representing 12 per cent of Haiti’s total population.

It said widespread insecurity in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and its gradual spread to regional zones have caused displacement, stifled Haiti’s economy and limited people’s access to food.

An estimated 5.7 million people, which is half of Haiti’s population, are currently going hungry every day with the UN warning that the number is expected to increase to 5.9 million during the lean season that runs from March to June.

The impact of armed violence on women and girls has been devastating. The UN said that its partners have recorded an average of 27 new cases of gender-based violence per day between January and September 2025. More than half of those are cases of sexual violence. Worse still, collective rapes account for two thirds of reported cases of sexual violence.

Kouassi said that despite the immense scale of the needs, the US$908 million Haiti humanitarian appeal for this year is only 23 per cent funded, with US$206 million mobilised.

She has renewed her call for substantial, and sustained international support.

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) Friday said it has launched a comprehensive report series providing policymakers, enforcement agencies and industry leaders with an essential, actionable roadmap to transition from environmental vulnerability to sustainable blue prosperity.

IMPACS said that the initiative undertaken in collaboration with the US-based Auxilium Worldwide, a non-profit organization focused on fostering global harmony through supporting good governance, sustainable development, environmental stewardship and human security.

It said that comprehensive report and strategic recommendations are under the theme ‘Fish and Flags: Supporting Caribbean countries in Moving from Threatened to Thriving’ and that the virtual launch attracted over 125 participants, marking a pivotal step in the collective effort to address the escalating threats facing the Caribbean Sea, the region’s vital lifeblood.

‘This launch is a powerful demonstration of our collective commitment to regional security, especially as the Caribbean continues to grapple with the emerging and evolving challenges of environmental crime and natural resource exploitation,’ said Lt. Col. Michael Jones, CARICOM IMPACS’s executive director.

He said that CARICOM IMPACS has noticed a rapid acceleration in transnational organised criminal networks exploiting the Region’s natural resources for profit.

‘The fisheries sector is now a prime target. Criminal actors are diversifying their activities far beyond the well-known crimes that law enforcement typically monitors. Organised criminals are evolving and they are leveraging knowledge gaps regarding natural resource and environmental crime to evade detection’, he said.

Jones added that the reports launched were the result of intense research and collaboration and provide a detailed roadmap with intelligence and recommendations for immediate, unified action among Member States to secure the Caribbean region’s marine wealth against complex challenges posed by transnational organised crime.

Auxilium Worldwide president, Dr. Ian Ralby, said they were proud to collaborate with CARICOM IMPACS on this critical initiative and noted that the data clearly shows that Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as fisheries crime are not just environmental issues but serious security and economic threats that undermine the rule of law and the sovereignty of Caribbean States.

‘The reports provide a framework for a coordinated, transnational response that is necessary to move the Caribbean from merely threatened to truly thriving’, he added.

The ‘Fish and Flags’ initiative synthesises extensive research, country consultations and expert analysis, focusing on the sophisticated methods used by criminal organisations to exploit the region’s marine resources.

The recommendations outlined in the reports aim to strengthen regional enforcement capacity, harmonise maritime legislation and enhance transparency in vessel registration to tackle these vulnerabilities, which can better protect the CARICOM region’s marine ecosystems, safeguard its fisheries and ensure the long-term sustainability of the blue economy.