Category: CANA News

The Dominica government has announced the appointment of Trinidad-based Senior Counsel, Keith Scotland, as a special prosecutor, in a move aimed at improving the administration of justice and ensuring cases are dealt with more efficiently.

National Security and Legal Affairs Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore, said greater cooperation between police investigators and prosecutors from the beginning of an investigation should help reduce delays and improve the preparation of cases.

‘We have made tremendous improvement over the last months in a number of cases we have been able to dispose off especially as it relates to indictable offences, serious cases, murders and high profile drug related matters.

‘So the government has actually engaged a special prosecutor in the person of Senior Counsel Keith Scotland and he will be assigned to the DPP’s office and will ensure that the cases will be dealt with in a timely fashion’.

He said this is critical in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld ‘by ensuring that people who are guilty are held accountable but at the same time ensuring that the innocent can be protected against wrongful conviction.

‘That is also key. So what we’re hoping is to have this kind of seamless cooperation between the police investigators and the prosecution team from the start of the investigation in the collection of evidence and the preparation of the case and before it gets to the court.

‘We are striving as a ministry to ensure that from the time that charges are pursued against an abuser or suspect that especially as it relates to indictable matters that that case should be ready and should be before at least the Supreme Court within a six-month period of time. ‘

But Blackmoore said that ‘ all those things help to ensure that we have timely disposing of cases and therefore the issue of investigation and prosecution have to work together to ensure that all the impediments to the case can be dealt with going forward’.

He said effective prosecution does not always mean seeking conviction.

‘As I just said that you have to have a system in place to ensure that the innocent is not wrongly convicted and that’s what I’m hoping that we’ll be engaged in the training of the other prosecutors and of course police officers going forward,’ he said.

In July, Scotland headed the prosecution of two American nationals wwho were found guilty of the murders of a Canadian businessman and his partner whose bodies were found in a burnt-out vehicle on December 1, 2023.

Jonathan Lehrer, 58, and 63-year-old Robert Snider Jr were found guilty of the murders of animation pioneer and Canadian philanthropist Daniel Langlois and his 58-year-old longtime partner, Dominique Marchand.

The prosecution had alleged that between November 29 and December 2, 2023, the two Americans murdered Langlois , the Echo Resort owner and former software innovator and founder of Softimage, and Marchand, whose bodies were found incinerated in a car near Gallion, in the south of the island. Langlois and Marchand had been reported missing for several days.

The Parliamentary Elections Office (PEO) Tuesday urged voters to be wary of a website it says is directing people to polling stations and voting locations as Grenadians prepare for a general election though constitutionally due no later than October 2027, but widely expected to be held later this year.

In a statement, the PEO said it had become aware of the which is ‘not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated’ by the PEO. ‘We have become aware that this website is directing persons to polling stations and voting locations. The Parliamentary Elections Office has not provided this information to the operators of this site, and we therefore unable to verify its accuracy.

Polling station assignments are determined using registration records and official data held by the Parliamentary Elections Office. Voters who rely on unofficial sources may be directed to the wrong polling station, which would affect their ability to exercise their right tovote’.

The PEO said it is urging voters confirm their polling stations only ‘through our official channels…bring the required identification on Election Day, be cautious of any website, social media page, or message claiming to represent the Parliamentary Elections Office’.

The PEO is also urging voters to check that the web address matches ‘matches our official address exactly’. They are also urged to report suspicious sites.

‘We take the integrity of this process and the right of every eligible citizen to vote seriously. We are also taking steps to have the inaccurate information removed, and we will keep the public informed,’ the PEO added.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) will officially launch its campaign for the general election on October 4.

Mitchell, who led the NDC to victory in 2022 after it won nine of the 15 seats at stake, had earlier warned supporters that they should seek to be registered to vote before Friday.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) said two persons have been detained and a quantity of cash and gold had been seized following an operation at Tamakay Landing in the Mazaruni Mining District on Monday

It said that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC) Enforcement Team had also suspended the operations of the shop that was found trading in gold without the required approvals and licences. ‘During its inspection, the team seized a quantity of gold, equipment and cash. Two persons were detained by the Guyana Police Force as investigations continue,’ the MNR said, adding that ‘this action forms part of the ministry’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining and related activities, with monitoring and enforcement operations continuing across all mining districts’.

The ministry said that it is urging all stakeholders to ensure that their operations comply with the laws and licensing requirements governing the mining sector.

In recent times, the Guyana authorities have been intensifying its nationwide crackdown on illegal gold trading and smuggling, shutting down unlicensed operations. The authorities have blacklisted over 100 non-nationals involved in illegal mining and undeclared gold production.

Barbados has welcomed the announcement by British Airways (BA) to increase by 70 per cent the number of seats to the island for the 2026/2027 winter season and, an over 100 per cent increase next summer.

‘This speaks to the demand that exists for travel to Barbados and the region. We are exceptionally happy that BA has continued to demonstrate this strong vote of confidence in Barbados as a destination, as demonstrated by their commitment to increase capacity on the Barbados route at this time,’ said the chief executive officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), Andrea Franklin.

‘Ensuring Barbados remains accessible to our valued UK visitors is a top priority. This expanded partnership with British Airways also ensures fantastic options for connectivity, providing more opportunities for travellers from all regions of the United Kingdom, Europe, the African continent, the Middle East and beyond,’ she added.

BTMI said that the new expanded schedule could deliver more than 120,000 additional seats to the island a year, mainly due to the relaunch of a year-round Gatwick service from the United Kingdom.

Starting October 25, this year, BA will introduce a direct daily service from London Gatwick (LGW) to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI), coinciding with the start of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) winter season.

This service will complement the existing London Heathrow Services which continue daily to November before increasing to twice daily from December to March 2027. As a result, BA will now operate three daily direct flights from the UK to Barbados during the winter: one from Gatwick and two from Heathrow, a first for the island.

The Gatwick service will then continue into Summer 2027, creating history with BA’s first ever double-daily summer service to Barbados.

The Gatwick service will operate as a shared service with Guyana, Tobago or Grenada on six days, with a dedicated Barbados service on Wednesdays. The BTMI said that this expanded capacity provides UK travellers, particularly families, with greater flexibility and supports growing demand for travel to Barbados year-round.

The enhanced airlift also offers visitors access to Barbados’ signature events, such as the Crop Over Festival, Barbados Ninja Throwdown, Dive Fest and Rally Barbados that are held during the summer.

‘This enhanced airlift is part of Barbados’ broader strategy, underscoring its enduring appeal as the number one English-speaking Caribbean destination in the UK. British Airways has served Barbados for more than 72 years and continues to support tourism to the island through direct flights,’ the BTMI said in a statement, adding that the new and expanded services illustrate the strength of the Barbados-UK relationship and the island’s ongoing dedication to delivering outstanding travel experiences.

President of the Senate, Wade Mark, was on Monday night forced to cast a deciding vote in favour of the government, the second such move within a 96 hour period, as controversy continues here over his decision to have done so on another piece of controversial legislation last Thursday.

Mark used his vote to break the 15-15 tie as opposition and nine independent legislators voted against the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Amendment Bill.

‘I exercise the casting vote in favour of the Ayes. So we’re now 16 for and 15 against – the bill is passed,’ Mark said as government legislator thumped their desk and the opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) sought to get clarification from Mark over his vote.

‘My reasons remain as constant as the Northern Star … Listen, listen, listen. The Standing Order is very clear – I don’t have to give a reason – I don’t have to give a reason! The Standing Orders is very clear and because Senator (Faris) Al-Rawi has asked the question, I’ve said again, because of my last casting vote, there’s no settled practice as it relates to this question of the Standing Orders …am… the casting vote, rather, in respect of the status quo. That is my reason,’ Mark added.

Last Thursday, Mark was forced to vote with the government over the passage of the Special Operations Bill (SOB) which the government had introduced to replace the failed Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs).

Attorney General John Jeremie had told legislators then that the SOB legislation does not grant powers equivalent to a state of emergency (SoE) and that Kamla Persad-Bissessar the government accepts that the new legislation ‘might interfere with the right of the individual to liberty and to the enjoyment of property’ under the Constitution, as well as the right of the individual to respect his private and family life and the freedom of movement.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar later accused the independent legislators appointed by the President Christine Kangaloo as ‘satanic,’ ‘demons’ and ‘scumbags’ and accused them of siding with criminals by rejecting the SOB legislation.

She then said that she would no longer accept amendments from the independent bench.

But as the Senate debated the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Amendment Bill 2026, indepdent legislator and Senior Counsel told legislators that it would take ‘a lot more than holy water and mantras’ to get him to support the government’s Procurement Bill.

Vieira, who raised several concerns about the proposed changes to the country’s procurement framework, said he deliberately decided against preparing amendments to the bill because of the prime minister’s earlier declaration.

‘Mr President, it is going to take a lot more than holy water and mantras to get me to vote in support of this bill,’ he said, adding that ‘a benefit of being satanic and demonic is that I have insight into the souls of men.

‘I understand those whose moral compasses and codes are compromised, as I understand the seven deadly sins, in particular, greed.’

Vieira said despite his concerns, he believed the Procurement Bill could be improved, noting that ‘with all the faults and potential for abuse, with the right amendments, I believe this bill is salvageable.

‘I had hoped that the benches would have worked together to avoid a financial ambush dressed up as ease of doing business. But in light of the Prime Minister’s declared refusal to accept amendments from the independent bench, I decided to save my time and energy,’ Vieira said.

The Procurement Bill proposes several significant changes to the existing procurement framework, including expanded exemptions covering energy, national security, public-private partnerships for public housing and emergency procurement. It also proposes increasing the simplified procurement threshold to two million dollars for certain public bodies, while making changes to the powers and consequences flowing from investigations by the Office of Procurement Regulation (OPR).

Vieira said while increasing the figure from one million dollars was not inherently unreasonable, he objected to removing the simplified procurement framework governing transactions beneath that threshold.

Vieira said there was a parallel between what he believes is happening to the regulator and the government’s treatment of independent senators.

‘Sadly, like us on the independent bench, there are those who would like to see her too marginalised, helpless or made useless,’ he said, adding that the issue ultimately came down to how much discretion the state should have over public money without independent procedural safeguards.

‘We spent years building this system. Let’s improve it. Let’s simplify it and modernise it. Let’s make it work faster. But let’s not dismantle it,’ he said. I am not willing to sacrifice the guardrails of good governance, ostensibly on the altar of efficiency and ease of doing business.’

Meanwhile, the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) has called upon Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to withdraw her remarks regarding the independent legislators calling also on Mark to take the necessary action to ensure the reputation of the Senate is preserved.

‘LATT reminds the Prime Minister that our democracy depends on her Government hearing and considering the views of those who do not sit at her table in Government,’ LATT said in a statement, adding that it had taken note of Persad-Bissessar’s ‘disparaging independent senators for voting against legislation proposed by the Government and this time, vowing not to accept any amendments proposed by those Senators in the future.

‘The Prime Minister also made disparaging remarks against the independent bench on the last occasion that her Government failed to secure their support. On both occasions, the Government refused to entertain amendments proposed by the independent bench which could have secured their support.’

LATT also made reference to a government legislator who said to the effect that it was not the intention of the framers of the Constitution that an elected government should have to depend on the votes of members of the independent bench and that requiring Government to do so to pass legislation would be undemocratic.

But LATT said ‘the intention of the framers of the Constitution can be gleaned from the clear language of the Constitution, sections 39 and 40 of which provide that ‘There shall be a Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago which shall consist of the President, the Senate and the House of Representatives.’.

LATT notes that the ‘Senate shall consist of thirty-one members (in this Constitution referred to as ‘Senators’) who shall be appointed by the President in accordance with this section’ and that of the 31 Senators, 16 shall be appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister; six shall be appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition and nine shall be appointed by the President in his discretion from outstanding persons from economic or social or community organisations and other major fields of endeavour.’

LATT also responded to Persad-Bissessar’s statement that the Senate comprises of non-elected legislators, saying ‘of course, no member of the Senate (Government, Opposition or Independent) is elected to the Senate via the polls.

‘Nevertheless, the constitutional arrangements on which our democracy is founded quite clearly contemplate that the creation of legislation involves the participation of the Senate, a body which comprises in part persons who are not aligned to the elected government.

‘That is the way the legislative process has always worked since independence, and these are the arrangements under which every elected government has been constitutionally required to operate to date,’ LATT added.

Former House speaker Bridgid Annisette-George has meantime rejected attempts to cite her 2017 casting votes in Parliament as a precedent for Mark’s deciding vote, saying that was a ‘critical distinction’ between the circumstances in which she exercised casting votes.

‘What a stretch to state that the precedent for the breach of the Denison Principle by the Senate President on the Special Operations Bill was set in 2017 by the then Speaker of the House!’ Annisette-George said in a statement on Monday.

Her comments directly contradicts those made by constitutional commentator, Professor Hamid Ghany, who had argued that her use of casting votes in 2017 effectively displaced the British parliamentary convention governing how a presiding officer should break a tie. Ghany contends there has been no settled local practice since then and that Mark was entitled to cast his vote as he did.

But Annisette-George said that the Denison Principle, a parliamentary convention which requires a presiding officer to preserve the status quo when breaking a tie and avoid using a casting vote to determine a substantive matter if members are deadlocked.

She said the principle does not simply require a presiding officer to vote against the government. Rather, she said a casting vote may be used to allow further discussion, while a final vote should preserve existing law or the existing position unless a majority supports change.

‘In none of the four instances cited by the Professor was the casting vote a determining or final vote on the substantive issue before the House of Representatives. The four 2017 casting votes were not used to determine substantive legislative change. That is the critical distinction which the Professor’s analysis overlooks,’ she added.

Former House speaker Nizam Mohammed has also argued that Annisette-George’s 2017 votes were materially different because they did not finally determine government legislation. Ghany, however, maintains her actions altered the local practice surrounding casting votes.

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) said it seized more than 400 sealed packages of marijuana during an operation on Monday and had detained three Venezuelan nationals.

In a statement, the TTCG said that the 411 packages weighing 231.42 kg of marijuana, had a street value of TT$25.45 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents).

‘The vessel transporting the packages was a pirogue bound for Trinidad and the three persons on board were identified as Venezuelan nationals, ‘ the TTCG said, adding that the vessel, crew and narcotics were handed over ‘and are being processed in accordance with estabished procedures.

‘The matter remains with the relevant law enforcement authorities as investigations continue,’ it said.

West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves will not be available for the second One Day International against India on Wednesday due to a calf injury.

Greaves scored his maiden ODI century in the opening match on Sunday in the West Indies’ eight-wicket loss to the home side. However, he was clearly hobbled during his knock of 101 off 108 balls, and did not take to the field for India’s innings.

A statement from Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Tuesday confirmed that the 32-year-old Barbadian would miss the upcoming match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.

‘Justin Greaves has been ruled out of the second game of the ODI series against India after sustaining a calf injury.

‘Greaves picked up the injury during his innings in the opening match of the series,’ the statement read.

West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer is optimistic that the side can turn around their fortunes in Wednesday’s second One Day International against India, once their batters are more consistent.

The Windies lost Sunday’s opening match by eight wickets and now need to conjure a victory at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium if they are to have any chance of winning the three-match series.

They wasted a superb start by openers Justin Greaves, who scored a maiden ODI century and John Campbell, who scored a half century during a 135-run stand.

From a position of 176 for one after 30 overs, the visitors lost five wickets for 22 runs to slump to 198 for five, and despite getting up to 299 for seven in 50 overs at Greenfield International Stadium, were 50 to 60 runs short of posting a competitive total.

Virat Kohli and captain Shubman Gill then blasted centuries to pilot India to 300 for two in 41.4 overs. Speaking during a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Reifer admitted that the regional side’s batters let them down during the middle phase of the game.

‘We had a lot of positives. Obviously, the start that we had in terms of the 85-run partnership in the first 10 overs and the openers took that along to 135. [Justin] Greaves got a 100, John [Campbell] got a 50.

‘In terms of the middle-order batting, I thought [Amir] Jangoo played really well in terms of getting his 50 in 30-something balls, so we got a lot of positives coming out of the last game, it’s just for us now to be consistent for a bit longer batting those middle overs,’ Reifer said.

‘…Batting in the middle overs is something that we’re continuing to work on and we want to get really consistent with that. We’re aiming to get back that to that year we had in 2024/2025 when we were scoring at six plus runs an over in the middle overs, but it’s a work in progress.

‘Obviously batting spin the guys have improved, but there’s still a long way to go for us,’ he added.

Reifer said while it was preferable to chase in India, he maintained that if the West Indies were to be competitive, a total in excess of 35o was required if batting first.

‘This ground is a high scoring ground. When you’re batting in India chasing is always a good option, some dew may come into play, but it doesn’t matter if you’re batting first or batting last because if you bat first you need to put a good total on the board.

‘In ODI cricket now, the level has raised and the game is evolving to where teams are looking to score 360 plus, so if you bat first on good pitches you will have to be aiming for 360,’ Reifer said.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Tuesday welcomed the decision by the United Nations Security Council in adopting a resolution re-authorising the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) in Haiti for six months, until 31 March 2027.

The GSF had replaced an earlier Kenyan-led security mission. About 1,500 to 1,600 personnel are currently deployed with its main function being to restore public safety, secure vital infrastructure and allo the government to function. The GSF is expected to reach its quota of 5,500 personnel in Haiti by October 2026

Speaking on behalf of the 15-member regional integration grouping, Jamaica’s Ambassador, Brian Christopher Manley Wallace welcomed the renewal, but said deployment has been slower than needed.

He called for sustained financial, logistical and operational support, including airlift, monitoring equipment, training and translation.

The Jamaican diplomat also urged greater attention to violence against women, girls and young people, as well as the recruitment of children by gangs.

‘ Improved security must pave the way for elections and the restoration of democratic governance led by Haitians,’ he said.

Aviation regulators, accident investigators and industry leaders from nearly 60 countries began a two-day meeting here on Tuesday with President Irfaan Ali urging then to seriously consider the impact artifical intelligence (AI) will have on the global aviation industry as well as safety.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are jointly organising the event being hosted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) under the theme ‘Optimising Resources through Coordination and Cooperation’.

President Ali told delegates attending the Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organisations (RSOO) and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organisations (RAIO) Forum for Aviation Safety that the aviation sector no doubt undergoing major shifts globally.

‘We cannot sit here in a passive way and believe that we’re discussing aviation and safety in the same setting like three months ago. It is completely different and we need to I think readjust our approach to aviation safety and even the sector in keeping with the dynamic changes’.

Ali said that these changes encompass the demand, supply, equipment and technological sides of the industry insisting that ‘we need to look at the entire ecosystem and really reorganise our work to reflect this ecosystem’.

But he told the delegates that a pursual of the agenda shows an absence of AI , adding ‘we cannot meet today to discuss aviation safety and not have AI, the consequences of AI and importance of AI on the agenda.

‘It would not be I think correct given the global realities. Your agenda I believe must be able to lead your discussions towards an AI strategy for aviation sector, especially as it relates to safety, issues of regulations, adaptability, equity and integration.

‘Because if you don’t have equity in the build-out of AI in the aviation sector, especially for safety, then you will have disparity, you will have unevenness, you will have different rules and you will have countries being left behind.

‘So it’s important that ICAO and all of the organisations from this moment adapt an AI strategy that is shared among all your membership, that identifies the opportunities, threats, the possibilities, but importantly to start the conversation on the regulations that will govern AI here in Guyana,’ Ali said noting Guyana’s push towards fully utilising technology, AI, digitisation ‘to drive the future expansion and development of our country’.

He said that in the coming weeks, Guyana will be launching a new technology ‘in our security infrastructure and architecture that would look at our aerial asset’ adding that ‘this by itself requires a set of safety rules that we must now implement.

‘So, and this will be the approach across the region. This will be the approach across the region. So we have to be able to build an ecosystem that look at where we are going as a region, where we’re going in international community, and how we build structurally, institutionally, regulatory, legislatively to meet these requirements.

‘Very important. So I believe that I would want to make that humble suggestion that we really bring AI as a key component for discussion early, and if I may further suggest that you set up a subcommittee or you set up an export group to look at this with urgency.’

Ali told the conference that ‘you need to set up an export group to look at this with urgency because the equity of the system, the safety of the system, the evenness of the system depend on this and your best place to offer this kind of assistance.’

The conference will look at how countries can pool their expertise and resources to strengthen safety oversight and accident investigation. It will also focus on the benefits of regional cooperation and how states can delegate specialised functions while still meeting their international obligations.

Delegates will also turn to workforce development, sustainable financing, partnerships with industry, and harmonised regulatory frameworks. Speakers include representatives of ICAO, EASA, and civil aviation authorities and regional bodies from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas. Industry voices from Airbus, American Airlines and LIAT Air will also take part.

Ali told the conference that official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) showed that flying is the safest form of long-distance travel. He said according to IATA, in 2025, there were about 40 million flights worldwide and eight fatal accidents.

‘This five-year average for 2021 to 2025 was one fatal accident for 5.6 million flights. The remarkable safety record of commercial aviation did not happen by accident. It was built over decades through rigorous standards, relentless oversight, and a culture in which safety is supposed to take precedence over convenience, costs, and commercial pressure.’

Ali said in the aviation sector, safety is paramount. Aircraft are subject to meticulous maintenance requirements. Pilots and crew undergo recurrent training and certification. Ali said that air traffic systems operate according to strict procedures and airports are regulated.

‘ That is why aviation safety is not something that can be taken for granted. A country or an airline can have an impeccable record stretching back for years. However, that record is not a permanent guarantee. Aviation is an unforgiving industry. It takes years to build a reputation for safety, but only one serious lapse in standards to destroy it.’

Ali said that the intention of the government is to position Guyana as a human resource training and development hub for aviation globally.

‘We are looking for a partner to help us to position Guyana as a global hub for training, aviation development, human resource development. Every aspect of aviation, safety, security, maintenance, pilot training, we want to build in our education development and aviation hub here that deals with training comprehensively.’

Ali said the government would be providing the infrastructure in ‘but we are looking for that international partner.

‘We want to find a way in which we can build this ecosystem with an international partner. And I’m looking for ideas. We are looking for those who are ready to join with us,’ Ali said nting that as Guyana’s economy expands ‘so too will the movement of people, investment, goods, and businesses through our airports, placing greater demands on our aviation sector’.

He said also that central to Guyana’s development framework is positioning the country as a leader in food supply and production throughout the region.