Category: CANA News

Prime Minister Mia Mottley says Barbados will ‘open our doors with order and with pride’ as Barbados joins three other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries in fully implementing free movement of their nationals among themselves from today.

Barbados, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize and Dominica are implementing one of the major aspects of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and services across the region.

The Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that extensive preparations have been undertaken to ensure ‘a smooth and secure rollout’ of the full free movement among the four countries, adding that the other member states that participate in the CSME and have not signed on to full free movement ‘will continue to facilitate movement of their nationals under the existing regime for skilled workers, for the provision of services and the operation of businesses’.

In a nationwide radio and television broadcast on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Mottley acknowledged that Barbados is on the cusp of a change that will touch the lives across the Caribbean region and strengthen the nation.

Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel Wednesday set sentencing for Friday in a case in which a police officer was found found him guilty of discharging a firearm in a public place, stemming from a December 3, 2022 incident

Police Officer, Karim Warner, broke down in tears after the magistrate found him guilty of discharging a firearm in a public place.

The prosecution had said that Warner fired 12 rounds at a vehicle with with two occupants after a confrontation during an attempt to reclaim a leased vehicle.

The court was told that a male occupant of the vehicle had refused to hand over the car before shots were fired.

Warner had initially faced charges for discharging a firearm in a public place and assaulting both vehicle occupants. He maintained his innocence, entering not guilty pleas.

In February, the prosecution dropped the assault charges entirely and the situation became more complicated when the male complainant failed to appear for trial and formally withdrew from the case, stating he no longer wished to participate in the proceedings.

Despite these setbacks, Magistrate Emanuel continued with the remaining charge of discharging a firearm in a public place with testimony from four witnesses, including the female complainant, a taxi driver, police officers, and additional witnesses.

Following the prosecution’s presentation, defense attorney Andrew O’Kola mounted a no-case submission, contending that prosecutors had failed to meet the evidentiary threshold required to sustain the charges. O’Kola requested the case be dismissed outright.

But after considering the arguments from the state and the defence, Magistrate Emanuel rejected the no-case submission.

Chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping, CARICOM, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has welcomed the decision of the United Nations Security Council to back a resolution authorising the transition of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission for Haiti into a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF).

‘This, together with a new UN Mission Office represents a significant step in strengthening the international response to the crisis in Haiti,’ said the Jamaican prime minister in a statement posted on the social media platform X.

On Tuesday, the UN Security Council backed the resolution that was tabled by the United States and Panama and by a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with three abstentions, namely China, Pakistan and the Russian Federation), the Council adopted the text as resolution 2793.

Through the resolution, the Council authorised member states to transition the MSS mission to the GSF for an initial period of 12 months and among other terms, the Security Council has decided that the GSF shall have an authorised personnel ceiling of 5,550, consisting of 5,500 uniformed personnel, comprised of both military and police and 50 civilians.

US Ambassador Michael Waltz said the resolution, undertaken in close collaboration with the Haitian authorities, offered new hope for the French-speaking CARICOM country where criminal gangs have been seeking to overthrow the provisional government since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

In his message, Holness said Jamaica has been advocating for this advancement to more structured support, and looks forward to this new chapter of partnership through the United Nations, working in partnership with CARICOM, Organization of American States (OAS) and the wider international community.

He said the decision reaffirms that the international community has heard the cries of and on behalf of the Haitian people and underscores the value of persistent advocacy.

‘We remain committed to standing with the people of Haiti and to working with our partners to help restore security, stability, and hope for the Haitian nation,’ Holness said.

Earlier, in a statement, the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors in a statement read by the Barbados Permanent Representative to the United Nations, François Jackman, noted that ‘CARICOM applauds the resounding support of world leaders for the urgent and united action towards the restoration of peace and stability in Haiti, echoed throughout the recently concluded General Debate of the 80th session of the General Assembly’.

But the diplomats acknowledged that ‘these critical objectives can only be achieved if security is restored in Haiti’ adding that they ‘wholeheartedly welcome the Security Council’s adoption .of this Resolution as a fundamental step that responds to the urgency of the security situation in Haiti.

‘CARICOM in particular welcomes the timely transition of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to a Gang Suppression Force (GSF) with a UN-authorized mandate to bring an immediate end to violence and to restore public safety in Haiti.

‘Furthermore, CARICOM endorses the establishment of a UN Support Office in Haiti to provide the necessary logistical and administrative support for this robust Force. Finally, we underscore the need to ensure sustainable, predictable resourcing of the Gang Suppression Force by all international partners. And we also renew our call for the urgent capitalisation of the 2025 humanitarian needs and response plan for Haiti.’

The regional diplomats said that only through urgent, collective action in the security domain, in support of Haiti, can the scourge of gang violence be arrested.

‘This is a critical first step towards creating favourable conditions for elections, sustained delivery of humanitarian support and relief, the rebuilding of institutions and the laying of the foundation for the long-term economic development of Haiti.

‘ CARICOM reaffirms its solidarity with Haiti as well as our openness and willingness to work with all members of the Security Council to provide the necessary support for the Haitian people, and we look to the wider international community to step up its support boldly and with resolve to end the violence and suffering that the people of Haiti have endured for too long. ‘

Belize has been elected Part III of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the period 2025 – 2028.

A government statement said that the election took place during the celebration of the ICAO’s 42nd Assembly at the Chicago Convention and that the Council, during this period, shall be the body charged with carrying out the directions of the assembly and discharging the duties and obligations laid out in the Convention.

Kennedy Carrillo

The statement said that the work to be carried out by the newly elected Council over the next triennium will include improving aviation security, the development of policies and protocols for the inclusion of artificial intelligence in aviation, achieving environmental sustainability goals, and supporting the next generation of aviation professionals.

‘This is a historic victory for Belize, as it will, for the first time, join and contribute meaningfully to the highest technical body in aviation. Belize is committed to supporting both the Caribbean and Central American sub-regions.

‘Notwithstanding, the representation will be used to promote those policies and initiatives that seek to advance Belize’s aviation strategic objectives,’ the statement said, adding that ‘aviation continues to be a significant contributor to Belize’s socio-economic well-being, as it is one of the most significant pillars that support tourism’.

It said that Kennedy Carrillo, who has been appointed as Belize’s representative to the ICAO Council, will be based in Montreal, Canada, where she will participate in deliberations and initiatives that seek to make Global Aviation safer and more secure for all.

In a significant move to secure the future of West Indies cricket, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially unveiled its list of players offered International Retainer Contracts for the 2025/26 season.

The new contract cycle, beginning October 1, sees a blend of established stars and exciting newcomers across both the Men’s and Women’s teams.

A key feature of this year’s list is the expanded use of multi-year deals, an initiative designed to provide players with greater financial security and help CWI retain its most valuable assets in the competitive global cricket landscape.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasised the dual focus of the selection process.

‘We have placed a premium on both current performance and long-term potential,’ Bascombe stated. ‘Our strategy is firmly focused on building competitive squads for major global tournaments, ensuring stability for our top performers, and aligning our pathways with long-term success for West Indies cricket.’

The senior Men’s list features 15 players who have become central figures across formats. The exciting pace duo of Alzarri Joseph and breakout sensation Shamar Joseph are retained, alongside batting mainstays like Shai Hope and Brandon King. Spin options Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie are also included, highlighting their importance to the squad.

Notably, the ‘Starter Contracts’ for developing players have been offered to promising teenagers, including young wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew. Furthermore, the Men’s Academy list features a 15-player pool, such as Nathan Edward and Rivaldo Clarke.

The Women’s squad sees a strong core of experienced campaigners like captain Hayley Matthews and legendary Stafanie Taylor. They are joined by key players such as Chinelle Henry and Karishma Ramharack.

The commitment to development is mirrored in the Women’s program, with ‘Starter Contracts’ awarded to Jahzara Claxton and Realeanna Grimmond.

A 14-player Women’s Academy, including names like Trishan Holder and Shabika Gajnabi, rounds out a comprehensive plan to build depth and sustain success for the Maroon women.

West Indies Men’s Contracts 2025/26 Senior Men Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Jomel Warrican.

Starter Contracts (Development) Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne,

Men’s Academy Ackeem Auguste, Ryan Bandoo, Jediah Blades, Rivaldo Clarke, Mavendra Dindyal, Giovonte Depeiza, Nathan Edward, Damel Evelyn, Amari Goodridge, Mbeki Joseph, Johann Layne, Zishan Motara, Kelvin Pittman, Renico Smith, Carlon Tuckett.

West Indies Women’s Contracts 2025/26 Senior Women Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, Karishma Ramharack.

Starter Contracts (Development) Jahzara Claxton, Realeanna Grimmond.

Women’s Academy Abigail Bryce, Asabi Callender, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Shabika Gajanbi, Brianna Harricharan, Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Nyia Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Amrita Ramtahal, Selena Ross, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim, Kate Wilmott.

Scoreboard of the third T20I between West Indies and Nepal here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

NEPAL

Kushal Bhurtel c Mayers b Hosein 39

Kushal Malla c +Jangoo b Holder 12

*Rohit Paudel c +Jangoo b Simmonds 17

Gulsan Jha run out 10

Sundeep Jora c Allen b Blades 14

Aarif Sheikh c Holder b Simmonds 6

Mohammad Alam run out 3

Lokesh Bam c +Jangoo b Blades 9

Sompal Kami lbw Simmonds 4

Karan KC b Simmonds 0

Shahab Alam not out 0

Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w6) 8

TOTAL (ten wickets; 19.5 overs) 122

Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-60, 3-75, 4-84, 5-91, 6-105, 7-109, 8-118, 9-118, 10-122.

Bowling: Mayera 2-0-13-0, Hosein 4-0-26-1, Holder 3-0-19-1, Blades 3.5-0-20-2, Gore 3-0-23-0,

Bidaisee 1-0-5-0, Simmonds 3-0-15-4.

WEST INDIES

+Amir Jangoo not out 74

Ackeem Auguste not out 41

Extras (lb4, wd4) 8

TOTAL 0 wickets; 12.2 overs) 123

Did not bat: Kyle Mayers, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein, Navin Bidaisee, Jediah Blades, Ramon Simmonds

Bowling: Paudel 2-0-18-0, Karan 2-0-19-0, Kami 2.2-0-17-0, Mohammad Alam 2-0-24-0, Bhurtel 2-0-17-0, Shahab Alam 2-0-24-0

Toss: West Indies won and elected to field.

Result: West Indies won by 10 wickets

Player-of-the-Match: Ramon Simmonds

Player of the series: Kushal Bhurtel

Series Result: Nepal won the 3-match series 2-1

Umpires: Buddhi Pradhan, Vinay Kumar

TV Umpire: Akbar Ali

Reserve Umpire: Durga Subedi

Match Referee: Narayanan Kutty.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a five year strategic plan that sets out a ‘bold agenda’ towards advancing health and well-being across the Americas, including the Caribbean.

The 2026-31 strategic plan approved at the ongoing PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, under the theme ‘Together toward a Healthier Americas for All,’ followed extensive consultations with countries and stakeholders, and commits to transformative health outcomes over the next six years, tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, health security, fragmented health systems and services, and the elimination of communicable diseases, amongst others.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that the Region of the Americas is stronger when we work together,’ said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.

‘This strategic plan harnesses our collective strength to build resilient health systems, reduce disease burden, and improve health and well-being for all across the Americas,’ he added.

PAHO said that the plan builds on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in health systems while highlighting the power of joint action. It targets measurable impacts in countries, such as reducing maternal mortality, reversing rising suicide rates, and eliminating diseases like leprosy and Chagas.

At the heart of the strategic plan are five strategic objectives that will guide regional health action through 2031, namely accelerating efforts toward health for all, addressing the social determinants of health, environmental challenges, and risk factors as well as building resilient health systems for universal access to health and universal health coverage based on primary health care.

It is also intended to accelerate the disease elimination agenda and better prevent and treat communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and mental health conditions, prevent, prepare, detect, and respond better to health emergencies and bolster the leadership, governance, and performance of PAHO to advance the regional health agenda and deliver technical cooperation that drives public health impact in countries.

PAHO said that the 2026-2031 plan introduces an integrated approach to health for all and features an updated results-based management framework and a streamlined results framework.

It reduces the number of outcomes and indicators while enhancing measurability and transparency.

‘Indicators with realistic, evidence-based targets will sharpen our focus and enable PAHO and its Member States to work towards tangible health outcomes,’ Dr Barbosa added.

To accelerate impact, the plan’s streamlined results framework with evidence-based indicators is supported by high-impact interventions, or ‘accelerators,’ to drive measurable progress and systemic transformation across multiple impact targets and dimensions of health development.

Accelerators build on existing frameworks and proven methods, offering tangible opportunities to scale up interventions rapidly and effectively. Finally, the Plan includes mechanisms for agile and transparent adjustments in response to evolving circumstances.

The PAHO director thanked member states for their collaboration in developing and approving the plan, saying it signals a ‘renewed regional cooperation’ and affirms countries’ commitment to improving health and well-being for all.

‘By working together, we can overcome current challenges and accelerate progress toward health for all people in the Americas,’ he added.

Meanwhile, PAHO has also unveiled a sculpture paying tribute to the health workers of the Americas for their resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic that left a deep mark with more than three million deaths in the region, representing approximately 43 per cent of the global toll.

‘This sculpture is a profound expression of gratitude, remembrance, and solidarity. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and honor those who sustained us during one of the most devastating health challenges of our time,’ said Dr. Barbosa.

PAHO said during the emergency, overwhelmed hospitals and shortages of essential supplies pushed health systems to the brink of collapse. Nevertheless, the response of health personnel was exemplary. In addition to their work in hospitals and intensive care units, health professionals maintained the continuity of essential services: administering vaccines, delivering medicines, and ensuring care for priority groups such as children, pregnant women, and older adults.

Dr. Barbosa said the recognition is dedicated to all health workers in the region, incduing nurses, doctors, technicians, and volunteers, who ‘demonstrate every day that their knowledge, skills, heart, and spirit are devoted to protecting people, especially when they most need to regain their health and well-being.’

The tribute also recalled the leadership of the late Dominican, Dr. Carissa Etienne, former PAHO Director, who guided the organization’s response to the pandemic with timely decisions focused on protecting health workers.

The sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of the courage and humanity demonstrated during the pandemic and as a call to strengthen health systems in preparation to face future challenges.

The design of the piece reflects PAHO’s institutional values-equity, excellence, solidarity, respect, and integrity-and symbolizes the interdependence of all health workers on the frontlines of combating disease.

The piece was originally conceived in 2006 for World Health Day by artist Gilles Collette, who used to work for PAHO. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deemed timely to transform this symbol into a three-dimensional bronze sculpture, reigniting its message as a tribute to health workers across the Americas.

The United States Department of State has listed several Caribbean countries in its 2025 Trafficking in Person Report, stating that ‘trafficking in persons’ and ‘human trafficking’ are umbrella terms, often used interchangeably, to refer to a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.

‘When a person younger than 18 is used to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion involved,’ the State Department said, adding that Washington recognizes two primary forms of trafficking in persons, namely sex trafficking and forced labour.

In its report, the State Department has placed The Bahamas, Guyana and Suriname in Tier 1 which it said are those ‘whose governments fully meet the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago have all been placed in Tier 2 ‘ whose governments do not fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards’.

St. Lucia and Barbados have been placed in Tier 2 Watch List ‘whose governments do not fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards (with certain exceptions), and for which the estimated number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing, and the country is not taking proportional concrete actions’.

Sint Maarten, Venezuela and Cuba have been placed in Tier 3 ‘whose governments do not fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards and are not making significant efforts to do so.’

The State Department also listed Haiti, along with Libya, Somalia and Yemen in the ‘Special Case’ category.

The State Department said the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (TVPA), defines ‘severe forms of trafficking in persons’ as sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age; or the recruitment, harbouring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

The State Department said more than 180 countries ave ratified or acceded to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (the UN TIP Protocol), which defines trafficking in persons and contains obligations to prevent and combat the crime.

The report says the TVPA directs the US Secretary of State to consider, as proof of a country’s failure to make significant efforts to fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards, adding that governments on Tier 3 may be subject to certain restrictions on foreign assistance, ‘whereby the President may determine not to provide US government nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related foreign assistance as defined in the TVPA’.

The report states that the US President may also determine to instruct the US executive director of each multilateral development bank and the International Monetary Fun(IMF) to ‘vote against and use their best efforts to deny any loans or other uses of the institutions’ funds to a designated Tier 3 country for most purposes.

The St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission says it will launch the second call for proposals for the regional MSME matching grants programme on Friday, saying the initiative presents a golden opportunity for blue economy entrepreneurs.

The programme is a flagship component of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, which seeks to strengthen blue economy value chains, promote sustainable entrepreneurship, and improve livelihoods across the OECS.

The Commission says that by supporting MSMEs in fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management, the programme not only drives economic growth but also contributes to environmental sustainability and food security.

Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the OECS Commission, ‘UBEC is building a resilient, competitive, and sustainable Blue Economy across the Eastern Caribbean,’ the Commission said.

It said that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management now have the chance to strengthen and expand their businesses with grant funding ranging from US$5,000 to US$25,000. T

The Commission said that the project is already transforming businesses and improving livelihoods in Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with MSMEs in the three participating islands already being awarded grants from the previous call for proposals earlier this year.

‘The regional MSME matching grants programme continues to make significant strides in advancing blue economy efforts within the OECS. To date, 28 grants valued at over US$500,000 have been awarded to MSMEs,’ said UBEC’s senior grants advisor, Kyle Garnes.

‘In addition, the programme has begun delivering tailored capacity-building and training services to MSMEs in waste management, fisheries, and tourism. Training has already commenced in St. Lucia, with more than 25 MSMEs actively participating, while rollouts in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are scheduled for the weeks of October 13, and October 20.’

The Commission said that individual MSMEs in the three OECS countries may be may be eligible if they are legally registered and have been in operation for at least two years, with supporting financial or bank statements.

Guyana has officially launched GuyExpo 2025 calling for large and small-scale businesses and entrepreneurs to take the opportunity to showcase their products to local and international customers.

The November 13-16 event will be held under the theme ‘Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues said this year’s event will have new features to enhance its impact describing GuyExpo as both a legacy and a living platform that must evolve with the country’s rapidly changing economy.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues addressing the launch of GuyExpo 2025.

‘Guyexpo is unmatched in terms of exposure; it offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local consumers but to international investors and partners,’ Rodrigues told the ceremony on Monday night, noting that even with the changes, the exposition will still promote the economy’s dynamism while preserving its core identity.

‘We are creating a dedicated space for businesses and investors to engage in serious conversation about collaboration and expansion.

‘The vision is not only to sustain the legacy but to reimagine and elevate this national showcase, ensuring that it remains relevant to the dynamism of the economy while preserving its core identity,’ she said

She said this networking component will be supported by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), whose expertise will be pivotal in linking entrepreneurs with investors.

‘The physical layout of the expo will also undergo a transformation, while the traditional elements that Guyanese have come to cherish, such as the vibrant food courts, the children’s area and tourism village, will remain. These features will be enhanced for greater prominence and impact,’ Rodrigues explained.

The organisers say businesses that have grown with GuyExpo in the past three decades will also be honoured, while illuminated signs and improved directional systems will be introduced.

‘GuyExpo is unmatched in terms of exposure. It offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local consumers but to international partners and investors,’ Rodrigues stressed, encouraging private sector players to seize the opportunity.

Rodriques said that while GuyExpo is being supported by the government, the private sector will be integrally involved in the trade exhibition that was first launched in 1995 and has been the longest-standing trade expo in Guyana, attracting hundreds of exhibitors each year.