Category: CANA News

Over 40 officers in the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) are now better equipped to handle rape and other sexual related assault cases.

The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) recently conducted an intensive training programme for officers of the RGPF, focusing on the effective handling of rape and sexual assault cases.

‘This initiative underscores the shared commitment of the United Kingdom and Grenada to uphold justice, protect human dignity, and safeguard the most vulnerable members of society,’ says a news release from Grenada’s British High Commission Office.

The release explains that recognizing the profound impact of sexual violence and the long-lasting trauma it inflicts, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with support from Virgin Atlantic, funded this specialized training delivered by two NCA experts.

At the opening ceremony, Charley Williams, the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean said that Sexual violence is among the gravest violations of human rights.

‘Its consequences extend far beyond the immediate harm, leaving deep and lasting scars on individuals, families, and communities. How law enforcement responds to such crimes is critical, for the pursuit of justice and restoring trust and the healing of victims,’ he told the participants.

The week-long training covered advanced interviewing and investigative techniques, victim-centered approaches, support structures, and complex case management.

According to the release, the programme was designed in line with international standards and best practices to strengthen victim care and improve outcomes in sexual violence cases.

In May 2025, the Criminal Justice Reform Committee whose Chairperson is Madam Justice Gilford, launched an initiative with the primary object being public education on social issues affecting communities,

The Committee is currently engaged in spotlighting ‘Sexual Offenses’ as one of the topics of the Committee’s public awareness campaign in schools in Grenada. This public awareness campaign aims to edify persons in the community about sexual offenses -particularly minors- who are often affected by these crimes – be they perpetrators or victims.

In an interview in July 2025, Legal Affairs Minister Claudette Joseph said that sexual related offenses are high in Grenada and there are several people who are abusive to children. She called on the religious community to stop protecting these predators who are sometimes shielding themselves behind the cloth.

Scoreboard of the 1st day of the 3rd Test between New Zealand and the West Indies at the Bay Oval here on Thursday.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings

*Tom Latham c Chase b Roach 137

Devon Conway not out 178

Jacob Duffy not out 9

Extras (b2, lb1, nb 1, w6) 10

TOTAL (one wicket; 90 overs) 334

Yet to bat: Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, +Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes, Ajaz Patel, Michael Rae.

Fall of wickets: 1-323

Bowling: Roach 19-3-63-1, Seales 21-1-67-0, Phillips 14-2-71-0, Greaves 17-2-55-0, Chase 19-0-75-0

Toss: New Zealand elected to field.

Umpires: Alex Wharf, Alladhuddien Paleker.

TV Umpire: Paul Reiffel

Reserve Umpire: Chris Brown

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath.

Officials in the poultry industry have there will be no shortage of chicken or eggs during the holiday season.

Seven weeks after the monster storm battered the island, damaging farms and claiming thousands of birds, the poultry industry has shown remarkable resilience.

In the aftermath, concerns were raised about potential shortages and rising prices, in response the Vice President of the Hi-Pro Division of the Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG), Colonel Jaimie Ogilvie, says replacement stock has already been secured, allowing production levels to bounce back in time for the holiday rush, when demand for poultry products traditionally peaks.

‘There’s going to be no shortage of chicken meat and pork for the Christmas because Jamaica’s pig and chicken farmers are already rebounding on the back of Hurricane Melissa. Inventory on hand, current production schedules are going to ensure that demand is met over the holiday.

‘Just for some context, in the two weeks immediately following Melissa, Hi-Pro gave away over 360,000 baby chicks to farmers across the island. A lot of it went to central and eastern parishes, to farmers who had the capacity to make up for the loss in production that was experienced in the West. Those in the West who could take, we are able to provide some there, but this is just to show that we wanted to make sure that there is not going to be a shortfall in available chicken meat for the holidays,’ he highlighted.

Ogilvie said the self-sufficient table egg industry lost more than 450,000 layers, or half of its productive capacity, describing the impact as by far the most devastating blow to the sector.

He noted that nearly 20% of the birds lost during the hurricane have already been replaced and returned to the market.

Acknowledging the continued demand for birds, the Vice President said additional farmers have been contracted to help meet local needs. But he explained that while rebuilding of the domestic industry is ongoing, the importation of eggs has already begun to stabilise supply.

‘In the interim, while we rebuild the local sector, we can access table eggs in a safe way, in a sustainable way to fill the gap and to satisfy the demand created here. And because of the work by the VSD and the US Department of Agriculture, we are now on the cusp of seeing where those table eggs are going to be starting to come in. I believe the first shipment of table eggs is due to leave the US this Friday, minister. We are going to have eggs in the market before Christmas, and we have a steady train of table eggs coming in weekly,’ said Ogilvie.

He said the Egg Farmers Association will be distributing the imported eggs to its customers as part of efforts to rebuild their businesses.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has welcomed the decision by a United States federal judge blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to penalize states with millions of dollars in fines related to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) operations.

‘Our most vulnerable residents rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Despite the federal government and #39;s best efforts to make it more difficult for food assistance to reach

those in need, today’s decision ensures New York’s SNAP program can continue running without interruption,’ James told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Wednesday.

‘I am grateful to the court for recognizing the urgency of this matter, especially this holiday season,’ she added.

On November 26, James led a coalition of 21 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration after it attempted to cut off SNAP benefits for tens

of thousands of lawful Caribbean and other permanent residents.

On December 10, the administration reversed itself and issued new guidance, confirming that lawful Caribbean and other Permanent residents – including former

refugees and asylees – remain eligible for SNAP benefits.

But, despite that reversal, James said the administration ‘continued to threaten states with millions of dollars in fines, claiming that states had missed a required ‘grace period’ for implementing the new guidance, even though the final guidance was not issued until December10.

On Monday, the US District Court for the District of Oregon issued an order temporarily blocking those penalties.

The court’s decision prohibits the federal government’s efforts to impose severe financial penalties on states and protects the continued operation of SNAP programmes

while the case proceeds.

James said she and the coalition are seeking to block new guidance from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that ‘wrongly declares several groups of legal

immigrants ineligible for food assistance, including permanent residents who were granted asylum or admitted as refugees.’

The attorneys general warn that the guidance would ‘saddle states with catastrophic financial penalties unless they immediately implement the unlawful restrictions.’

A green-tinged Bay Oval strip at Mount Maunganui promised a bowler’s paradise.

Still, by stumps on Day One, it was the site of a West Indian nightmare, expertly orchestrated by New Zealand’s record-breaking openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway.

When the umpires lifted the bails, the hosts were in a commanding position of 334 for one, and looking ominous for a gigantic first innings score.

Skipper Latham, defying the pitch’s menacing appearance, opted to bat first, a decision Roston Chase’s West Indies initially embraced.

Their pace attack, led by Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Anderson Phillip, generated significant movement, repeatedly beating the edges of both Latham and Conway in a tense, gripping first hour.

Yet, the breakthrough never came. Surviving that early examination, the left-handed pair ground the visitors’ attack into submission.

After the first eight overs, West Indian discipline evaporated. Lengths strayed, pressure dissolved, and the morning session closed with a chanceless New Zealand sitting pretty at 83 for no loss.

The floodgates opened after lunch, as boundaries flowed with increasing ease as Chase scrambled for answers. Conway was particularly severe on Roach in one over, driving, pulling, and punching three consecutive boundaries to signal his intent.

Both batters cruised past fifties, and even a brief rain interruption failed to disrupt their rhythm.

The middle session was a study in dominance: 133 runs came in 29 overs, none of them maidens. Conway, treating spin with disdain, elegantly on-drove Roston Chase to bring up his sixth Test century.

A solitary moment of concern came when a Seales delivery reared into his forearm, but after brief treatment, he batted on unperturbed.

Latham joined him in three-figure territory after tea, notching his 15th Test ton. West Indies’ misery was compounded by a dropped catch off Latham and boundary-laden overs that drained morale. The pair surged past 300, their partnership entering the history books.

The only solace for the regional side arrived with the second new ball. Roach, bowling round the wicket, finally found the edge of Latham’s bat on 152, with Chase taking a sharp, low catch at first slip.

The 86.4 overs it took to get that wicket was the fourth longest this century, with the longest being the 114.1 overs it took Zimbabwe to get a wicket against the West Indies in Bulawayo back in 2023.

It ended a monumental 323-run stand, the joint 12th-highest opening partnership in Test history, and the highest in New Zealand.

Conway marched on, finishing the day unbeaten on 178, with a maiden Test double-century firmly in his sights. For the West Indies, a day that began with promise descended into a physically and morally draining ordeal, leaving them with a monumental task to wrest back control of the Test.

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says several public servants will receive most of their long-outstanding increment payments in time for Christmas, with the remaining balances to be paid in early 2026.

Speaking during a recent press conference, the Premier said the payments are meant to bring relief to government workers who have waited years for increments owed to them.

‘I’m happy to announce that many public servants will receive most of their outstanding increment payments this Christmas, with the remainder receiving theirs in early 2026,’ he said.

The announcement follows years of appeals from public officers and commentators for the settlement of unpaid increments, some dating back several performance cycles. Although partial payments were made in the past, workers have complained that ongoing delays caused financial hardship and hurt morale within the public service.

Increment arrears have been a recurring national issue, raised during budget debates, union meetings and public forums.

The Government previously acknowledged the backlog, citing fiscal and administrative challenges.

According to Wheatley, the move reflects the spirit of the season and added that the Minister of Communications and Works will soon announce another holiday-related government initiative for the wider Virgin Islands community.

Justice Minister Kim Wilkerson, says the government expects to receive ‘shortly’ the findings of an external review into Bermuda’s correctional facilities.

The statement follows last weekend incident at the Westgate Correctional Facility that left at least one Corrections Officer requiring medical attention following an assault by two high risk inmates.

‘An external review is already underway, which includes assessing any vulnerabilities within the Department of Corrections’ security protocols as part of the wider International Detention Standards Review recently carried out by an independent peer-review team comprising senior corrections leaders from the United Kingdom, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

‘I expect to shortly receive their findings and recommendations for implementing the appropriate actions arising from this international assessment,’ Wilkerson said in a statement.

The Acting Commissioner of Corrections, James Howard, said the incident is being treated with the ‘utmost seriousness and is currently under active review’ and that the Bermuda Police Service has been notified and is ‘conducting the appropriate inquiries.’

But the chairman of the Prison Officers Association, (POA), Timothy Seon, told the Royal Gazette newspaper that the attack on the prison officer by two men facing murder charges, was bound to happen owing to government cost cutting measures.

He said that while the officer is understood to have violated policy by allowing both of the men out of their cells at the same time, compliance with procedure was hindered by ongoing systemic challenges – including a lack of staff and shortcuts in training.

‘There are a lot of mitigating factors that created the perfect storm for this incident to happen on Sunday,’ Seon said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Justice that appropriate operational steps were taken immediately following the incident to ensure the continued safety and security of the facility.

It said that the review will measure Bermuda’s correctional facilities against recognised global benchmarks, including the United Nations’ Nelson Mandela Rules and that international recruitment is underway to strengthen staffing capacity.

Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, says the tourism sector is recovering following the battering the island took when Hurricane Melissa slammed into the country on October 28, killing at least 45 people and causing damage estimated at more than nine billion US dollars.

Bartlett said that the island has since registered 300,000 visitor arrival marking a significant milestone that includes both stopover and cruise visitors with major resort areas fully operational and welcoming visitors for the crucial winter season.

Following the Category 5 hurricane, key tourism resort areas including Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, and Kingston are now open for business and ready to provide world-class experiences to visitors from around the globe.

‘Our recovery has exceeded expectations. Jamaica is not just back-we are stronger, more resilient, and more committed than ever to delivering the authentic Jamaican experience our visitors know and love. The dedication of our tourism workers, many of whom were personally affected by the hurricane, exemplifies the true spirit of Jamaica,’ Bartlett said.

He said all major airports, including Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios, have resumed normal operations.

Major airlines have also resumed and maintain regular flight schedules. By the end of the month approximately 71 per cent of hotels will be reopened, with projections indicating that number will rise significantly through early 2026.

‘This has truly been a collaborative effort. Hotels, attractions, transportation providers, and government agencies have worked around the clock to ensure that Jamaica is ready to welcome our guests. Every visitor who chooses Jamaica during this time directly supports the rebuilding of communities and the restoration of livelihoods,’ said Bartlett.

He said popular attractions throughout the island are also fully operational, visitors can once again experience Jamaica’s rich culture, vibrant music scene, authentic cuisine, and renowned hospitality in a safe and welcoming environment.

Director of Tourism, Donavan White, said the best way to support Jamaica is to visit Jamaica.

‘We are ready to deliver unforgettable experiences while showcasing the incredible strength and hospitality of the Jamaican people.’

Tourism accounts for over 30 per cent of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supports approximately a third of jobs across the island. The swift recovery of the sector is critical not only for economic stability but also for the thousands of Jamaican families whose livelihoods depend on the tourism industry.

Jamaica received 4.3 million visitors in 2024, and tourism officials remain confident in a full recovery by December 2026.

-Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has presented an EC$1.07 billion (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) national budget to Parliament telling legislators that the fiscal package is being guided by a robust framework which sets out the government’s fiscal strategy for the next three years.

Drew, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the budget was being presented under the theme ‘Investing in People and Progress’ while acknowledging that the twin island Federation continues to operate within a ‘complex’ and often ‘volatile global environment’.

He said despite these challenges the government has remained resilient and focused, meeting the demands of 2025, with determination, while laying a strong foundation for 2026.

Debate on the budget is due to begin on Wednesday and Prime Minister Drew said that ‘the robust framework’ will place emphasis on strengthening public financial management across the public sector.

‘We have to be responsible, increasing transparency and accountability, institutional strengthening and improving delivery of service to our people. The framework prioritises accurate costing of government services and advances tax policy reforms designed to deliver a more equitable and modernised tax system, supported by stronger compliance measures.’

He said guided by this framework, the government is positioned to generate revenue in line with the projected gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

Prime Minister Drew said that total revenue and grants are estimated at EC$894.8 million for 2026, with recurrent revenue projected to yield US$855.7 million for 2026 and US$899.1 million for the medium term.

Drew said that the amount for recurrent expenditure is expected at EC$879.8 million for 2026 and an average of EC$892.4 million for 2027 and 2028 and that government is projecting EC$167.2 million for capital expenditure and net lending in 2026, while an average of EC$115.8 million is forecasted to be expended for the medium term’.

‘We are not daunted, however. We remain laser-focused on mitigating the identified risks and, more importantly, finding the opportunities that come with these changes. As we chart the course for investing in people and progress, we will endeavour to remain good stewards of the country’s finances.

‘Madam Speaker, in assessing the anticipated fiscal outturn for 2025 and based on data available as of November 2025, we estimate by year-end the government expenditure would be $1.04 billion, or 35.6 per cent of GDP. Total revenue, Madam Speaker, is projected at $732.7 billion.’

Prime Minister Drew said that this revenue performance relative to 2025 approval estimate is projected to be affected attributable to the shortfall in receipts from the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI), through which foreign investors are granted citizenship of the island in return for making a substantial investment in the socio-economic development of the Federation.

‘Again, a lot of our economy was dependent on the CBI programme. However, in this budget, we have made sure to start to wean ourselves off from depending so heavily on the CBI programme. So what comes in after a while will just be gravy for us, Madam Speaker, because the receipts are difficult to predict.’

Prime Minister Drew said that one international crisis can certainly affect the country.

On the issue of the public debt, Prime Minister Drew said that the debt increased by 15.8 per cent from the previous year.

‘.equally important, we are keeping a watchful eye on the management of the public sector debt. In terms of the outlook, as at end December 2025, the total public sector debt is projected to be EC$1.7 billion, which represents an increase of EC$58.7 million.

‘That is the investment that we made in our people, or 3.6 per cent as compared to 2024. The rise in the debt stock was mainly attributed to an increase in central government debt, which rose by EC$97.4 million, or 15.8 per cent’

Prime Minister Drew said that the medium-term outlook shows a slight increase initially in the debt-to-GDP ratio at the end of 2025.

He said that it is forecasted to be 58.7 per cent, still below 60 per cent, a 1.1 percentage points increase, compared to 57.6 per cent for December 2024.

However, Prime Minister Drew said that over the forecasted period, 2026 to 2028, the debt ratio is expected to remain below the 60 per cent benchmark set for the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) member countries to achieve by 2035.

‘We have already achieved what they say we should achieve in 2035. We have already achieved it, Madam Speaker. So even with the challenges, we are still maintaining that significant achievement. The debt-to-GDP ratio is forecasted to decline in 2026 to 57 per cent and continue its downward trajectory to 54.9 per cent in 2027 and 51.9 per cent in 2028.’

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says it will maintain a heightened and zero-tolerance approach towards irresponsible firearm use and illegal use of fireworks during the holiday season.

‘We commonly call it gun salute at Christmas time. When it comes on to New Year’s, people have a way, especially both persons with licensed firearms, as well as persons with illegal weapons, they tend to do that. We have stepped up our vigilance,’ said the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Dr. Gary McKenzie.

McKenzie, who is assigned to the Strategic Operations Portfolio and the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, told a Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, that the police have intensified their focus on curbing the practice.

‘In fact, we are happy to say that last year, there was some improvement based on all the reports that we got. But this year will be no different in terms of our vigilance around the issue,’ he said.

McKenzie said that firearm use must always be responsible and warned that gun salutes can have deadly consequences.

‘It is very important that persons realise and recognise that the use of firearms must be responsible, so gun salute is a no-no. So once that happens, we expect people to report it,’ he said, citing a tragic example of the dangers involved in gun salutes.

‘We have had instances where people are making gun salutes and persons have been shot, as the clock struck 12. took out a firearm, fired it, a tree was over his head, and a man fell from the tree. These kinds of things do happen, and we have to guard against it,’ ACP McKenzie said.

He also issued a strong warning regarding fireworks and firecrackers, noting that their unauthorised use will not be tolerated.

‘Also, firecrackers are illegal, persons should not be selling them. Persons should not be buying them, and persons should not be using them. Where any of these things are seen by the police, they will act on it and persons will be prosecuted and taken to court.’

The Assistant Commissioner of Police also outlined the process for obtaining permission to use fireworks legally.

‘In terms of permit, the finality of it rests with the Minister of National Security, but that is applied through the Commissioner of Police. When that is done, there is an investigation as to why, how, where it will be used and whether or not it is necessary. If all things are satisfied, it may be approved.’

He spoke also of the impact loud explosions are having on vulnerable members of society.

‘We need to recognise that when we do this in communities, whilst we are trying to satisfy ourselves in terms of pleasure, there are young babies within the communities, there are elderly persons, persons who are ill, and some of the firecrackers, when they burst, it actually sounds like gunshot and it causes persons to feel fearful,’ he said.