Category: CANA News

President Irfaan Ali Monday announced the establishment of a national body to coordinate, mobilise, and foster the necessary work of healing as Guyana remains ‘in the shadow of that dark hour’ following the tragedy involving the MV Barima when the sea claimed the lives of so many nationals.

Ali in a broadcast said that the national body shall be known as the HEART Initiative for hope, empathy, aid, resilience, ‘Hope for the grieving. Empathy for the broken. Aid for the hurting. Resilience for the journey ahead. Trust that it will never be forgotten,’ Ali said, adding that this initiative will be overseen by trusted and respected religious and civil society persons drawn from across Ghana.

He said it will be led by Carl Stewart and that Guyana ‘will carry the prayers of every faith, the hopes of every heart, and the sacred traditions that bind us, whether spoken in the quiet of a church, sung in a temple, or whispered in a mosque.

‘We will offer the practical hands of service and provide a safety net of support and compassion that no family affected by this tragedy will slip through,’ he said, adding that he has asked Iman Harrison Courtenay of Belize to assist in working out the modalities relating to financial assistance for the survivors and the victims’ families.

Ali said Courtenay brings to this process a wealth of experience, as a practitioner of law, as a former minister of foreign affairs and former attorney general, and minister of investment and foreign trade of his country.

‘I wish to make it clear, this assistance does not constitute compensation for survivors and bereaved families. These measures embody a commitment that every survivor will be supported, every bereaved family will be treated with dignity.

‘It is in that spirit that I ask every Guyanese to stand together as one people. Let, therefore, this be our declaration. We are Guyana. We do not abandon our own. We rise from the ashes of sorrow with arms wide open.

‘We carry the memory of every soul lost, not as a weight that crushes, but as a light that guides us towards a future. Forged in kindness, unity, and love, Ali said, indicating that Guyana remains ‘in the shadow of that dark hour’.

‘I promised in the early hours of that tragedy that my government will stand with the survivors and the families of the victims, and those still unaccounted for, and that we will do so not for a fleeting moment, not until the headlines fade, but throughout the long, tender journey of healing that stretches far beyond this period of immediate grief,’ Ali said in the broadcast.

Over the past two days, no more bodies have been found leaving at least 30 passengers yet to be accounted for at a time when French military divers say they cannot see inside the wreck.

‘We have to feel the wreck and it’s like we are blind. So it’s too dangerous for us to enter into the wreck and because of the many ropes and hammocks, it’s very difficult to see where we are going,’ a French soldier said in an almost three-minute video on President Ali’s Facebook page.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Mark Phillips said 30 bodies were unaccounted for, the confirmed death toll was 73 and 76 rescued. The authorities believe that there were more than 116 passemgers and 17 crew on board the vessel when it sank after being hit by a wave on July 18 as it made its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region of the country.

They believe that 179 passengers were on board the 87 year-old vessel when the tragedy occurred.

In his address, President Ali said that Guyanese have always been a people who understand that grief is not a solitary road.

‘It is a path we walk together, shoulder to shoulder. And let no one mistake this for compensation. Grief cannot be balanced by any ledger. This is support born out of the refusal to let anyone walk their sorrow alone.

‘This is solidarity, that unbreakable thread that binds us one to another in our common humanity. We are a people who, when darkness descends, light lamps for one another. We are the descendants of ancestors who knew suffering and still chose solidarity, (2:01) who understood that to lift another is to lift oneself. ‘

Ali said that the values of the country are etched in Guyana’s motto of one people, one nation, one destiny ‘bound by the unshakeable belief that every life is precious, every loss is shared, and every survivor desires a nation that remembers’.

The Jamaican duo of Demario Prince and Jerome Campbell booked their spots in the final of the men’s 110-metre hurdles in the opening session of track and field at the Commonwealth Games here on Monday.

Both Prince and Campbell placed second in their semi-final heats at Scotstoun Stadium.

Demario Prince

Prince, Jamaica’s national champion, clocked a wind-aided 13.27 seconds (2.9m/s) to finish behind Milan Trajkovic of Cyprus, who ran 13.21 seconds.

Meanwhile, Campbell clocked a wind-aided 13.33 seconds (2.1m/s) in his semi-final, beaten to the line by England’s Samuel Bennett, who ran 13.20 seconds.

Defending champions Guyana Amazon Warriors and the San Francisco Unicorns recorded contrasting victories when the Global Super League (GSL) continued at Providence Stadium on Sunday.

In a top-of-the-table clash, Amazon Warriors thrashed Lahore Qalandars by 53 runs to remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament with three victories.

A half century from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave the Amazon Warriors a blistering start, and though they were slowed down in the middle overs, still posted a competitive 164 for nine in their 20 overs.

Gurbaz scored 65 off 35 balls with six fours and five sixes, and together with Mohammad Haris, carried their side to 107 for one inside 10 overs. But Gurbaz’s dismissal by Delano Potgieter triggered a slide that saw them collapse to 132 for seven, before Romario Shepherd’s late blitz of 29 from 19 balls got them up to their total.

Michael Bracewell took 2-18, while Mehran Mumtaz claimed 2-59.

The previously unbeaten Qalandars were then dismantled by spinner Gudakesh Motie to be bundled out for 111 in 17.2 overs.

Motie, who was named Player-of-the-Match, bowled Abdullah Shafique, Bracewell, Potgieter and Farhan Yousaf to reduce them to 88 for eight in the 13th over.

He ended with figures of 4-15 from his four overs and Dwaine Pretorius took 2-25.

Earlier in the day’s first match, the Unicorns edged Perth Scorchers by five runs to grab their first win of the competition.

Hammad Assad slammed an unbeaten 64 off 46 balls with five sixes and four fours to drag the Unicorns up to 152 for eight in their 20 overs.

Sufyan Moqim (3-21) and Brody Couch (3-49) were the Scorchers’ best bowlers.

Ghulam Mudassar then claimed 4-32 and Peter Siddle grabbed 2-31 to restrict the Scorchers to 147 for nine in 20 overs.

Brandon Bent scored a stoppage time winner to lead Jamaica to a thrilling 2-1 win over Honduras in their opening Group C match of the Concacaf Under-20 Championships here on Sunday.

Playing at the Estadio Universitario BUAP, Jamaica took the lead in the 21st minute when Jahmarie Nolan’s shot from the right side of the 18-yard box snuck by goalkeeper Alan Cury and inside the far post.

Kimarly Scott should have doubled their lead later in the half when he faced Cury alone, but his shot was saved by the Honduran goalkeeper. Trailing 1-0 heading into the second half, Honduras constantly pushed the Jamaicans back into their own area and were rewarded in the 75th minute when Victor Salazar finished off a smart team move, scoring with their first shot on target.

With the game seemed headed for a draw, Jamaica got a late winner in time added, when Honduras failed to clear a ball from a corner and Bent was quickest to it, shifted to his left to create space before firing the ball over the diving Cury.

With the win, Jamaica is now tied for the group lead with Canada, who beat Panama 3-0 in the other game in the zone played earlier in the day.

West Indies lead Pakistan by 155 runs after reaching 126 for seven at the close of play on the third day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Monday.

Scores

WEST INDIES 311 and 126-7 in 43 overs (Tagenarine Chanderpaul 35, Shamar Joseph 22 not out, Justin Greaves 20, Shai Hope 10; Mohammad Abbas 3-14, Khurram Shahzad 2-36).

PAKISTAN 282 in 80.1 overs (Shan Masood 109, Imam-ul-Haq 63, Babar Azam 23, Salman Agha 20, Khurram Shahzad 19, Mohammad Rizwan 12; Justin Greaves 5-27, Kemar Roach 2-53, Shamar Joseph 2-58).

Finance and the Public Service Minister, Fayval Williams, has dismissed media reports that the Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Dr Wayne Robinson, is the front runner to replace Governor Richard Byles, who is set to step down upon the completion of his term on August 18, 2026.

The Jamaica Observer newspaper quoting a senior government source, Sunday reported Robinson had emerged as the front-runner to become the next BOJ governor. But Williams has distanced the government from that statement, saying the committee appointed to search for the next governor has not yet submitted its shortlist to Cabinet.

In a statement, the Finance Minister said that Cabinet had not been informed of any front-runner and warned that speculation and the naming of candidates could undermine the selection process.

She said applications were received and reviewed solely by the search committee, which has not yet tendered its shortlist.

The Jamaica Observer said that before it had published its story on Sunday, it had been unsuccessful in obtaining a comment from Williams, who reminded the publication that the committee process is similar to the one used seven years ago to select Byles, with candidates interviewed before findings were presented.

She said that the committee, which was appointed in April, is expected to complete its assignment by the end of this month.

Cabinet will then consider the names and decide on the individual to be recommended to the governor general for appointment under the Bank of Jamaica Act.

The Guyana parliament was told Monday that one of the 77 persons rescued following the July 18 MV Barima tragedy that left 73 people dead and several others missing and presumed dead, has died as legislators clashed verbally as to who should take the blame for the country’s worst ever maritime disaster.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips in a prepared statement to the National Assembly said that the search and rescue/recovery operations are continuing as he gave legislators ‘an account concerning the tragedy’ as well as the support provided to the affected families.

He said two days after the incident, where it is believed that the 87-year-old vessel had capsized after being hit by a huge wave, ‘the MV Barima was found resting on the seabed approximately 31 nautical miles northwest of the point of uninitialed distress communicated by the Air Traffic Control tower’.

The Guyana parliament was told Monday that one of the 77 persons rescued following the July 18 MV Barima tragedy that left 73 people dead and several others missing and presumed dead, has died as legislators clashed verbally as to who should take the blame for the country’s worst ever maritime disaster.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips in a prepared statement to the National Assembly said that the search and rescue/recovery operations are continuing as he gave legislators ‘an account concerning the tragedy’ as well as the support provided to the affected families. He said two days after the incident, where it is believed that the 87-year-old vessel had capsized after being hit by a huge wave, ‘the MV Barima was found resting on the seabed approximately 31 nautical miles northwest of the point of uninitialed distress communicated by the Air Traffic Control tower’.

Phillips said that this was based on the report made by Haresh Singh and the assistance provided by local fisherfolk, ExxonMobil Guyana, VESHI and Sealand Survey’s Gilligan Island in confirming the vessel’s exact position.

The prime minister said that in the final operational update issued last Friday, the government advised that the coordinated search and recovery operation remained active throughout the day.

He said that the designated search area had been expanded by an additional 32 square miles, westwards to Waini Point and eastwards to Adventure, while aerial surveillance flights continued.

‘Five dives, each lasting between 45 and 60 minutes, were completed on 24 July. During one of those dives, one body was recovered from within the MV Barima. This brought the cumulative number of bodies recovered to 73, of whom 69 had been positively identified.’

Prime Minister Phillips said that ‘this tragedy has caused immeasurable grief across our country’ and that the Irfaan Ali government ‘extends its deepest condolences to every family that has lost a loved one and remains committed to supporting those affected.

‘May the families who have suffered loss find strength and comfort, and may the souls of those who perished rest in peace,’ he said, as the government extended its gratitude to the various stakeholders involved in the search and rescue operations, including the assistance provided by France, Trinidad and Tobago and Brazil.

On Monday, the Ministry of Health said that of the bodies recovered five remain unidentified, and that the authorities are seeking the public’s assistance. It said that the unidentified victims are four males and one female.

The official manifest showed that the vessel, which was travelling from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region of the country, had 116 passengers and a crew of 17. But the authorities have since said they believe that there were 179 people on board the vessel.

The ministry said the identification of the victims is essential to ensuring that they are returned to their loved ones with dignity and afforded a respectful and proper burial.

Monday’s parliamentary session became very heated, as opposition legislators claimed that the government wanted to carry on with ‘business as usual’ even in wake of the deadly ferry tragedy.

During the Opposition’s protest for more than five hours inside the parliament, the Leader of the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), Amanza Walton, today said the one minute of silence in the National Assembly is simply not enough for the victims and their families.

‘They have come here and they have the agencies heads here because they come for money, they come for money. Because you have all the agencies heads in here, because for them it is business as usual.

‘Not a nation, we are sorry, not a nation we take responsibility. One hundred and something Guyanese lives boil down to one minute of silence and then they want to go for money. We are not having it, and to the people of Guyana, y’all need to come out because what these people are showing you is that despite how much we holler and shout in here, they are prepared to walk over you and go on with business as usual, so you all better get out here and stand up to this government’, Walton said.

The opposition’s protest became even more heated when Attorney General Anil Nandlall delivered from President Ali who called for unity as the country deals with the issue.

‘Our nation today bleeds from the calamitous loss of so many of our sons and daughters, no words can truly capture the depth of grief that has descended on our country. This tragedy has shaken our Republic to its very foundation.

‘It has left an ache in every community, in every home and in every heart. It is a wound that we will carry together and it is one that history will forever recall as among the greatest sorrows of our nation’, Nandlall said on behalf of the head of state.

But as he spoke, the opposition legislators loudly protested demanding the removal of the government ministers, including the Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, over their handling of the tragedy.

‘The magnitude of the tragedy has left countless families bearing immeasurable burdens of grief, our hearts are especially with them, and I once again extend our deepest condolences to every family and every individual that has suffered unimaginable losses. We mourn with you and we grieve beside you. Your pain has become the nation’s pain.

‘To those who survived this horrific ordeal, we know that survival itself carries its own burden. The memories of that dreadful night may remain with you for years to come. You are not alone, your country stands beside you’, Nandlall quoted from Ali’s statement.

‘Our responsibility to these families does not end with recovery operations. It will continue for as long as necessary. We shall walk with them through their grief, assist them in rebuilding their lives and ensure that they never face this burden alone,’ Nandlall said, as the opposition legislators stepped stepped towards the Attorney General, forcing the Speaker to plead with them to return to their seats.

Government legislators later surrounded the Attorney General as he continued the speech.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Monday, July 27, 2026.

GEORGETOWN – A five-day meeting of the Caribbean Organisation of Tax Administrators (COTA) bean here on Monday with regional tax administrations being urged to embrace the technological and digital developments including artificial intelligence (AI) so as to improve their functions.

GEORGETOWN – President Irfaan Ali Monday announced the establishment of a national body to coordinate, mobilise, and foster the necessary work of healing as Guyana remains ‘in the shadow of that dark hour’ following the tragedy involving the MV Barima when the sea claimed the lives of so many nationals.

CASTRIES – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has praised Cuba for maintaining its relationship with the sub-regional grouping despite the ‘weight’ of a trade and economic embargo imposed on the Caribbean country by the United States dating back to 1962.

BRIDGETOWN – The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it is providing a US$100,000 grant to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Private Sector Organization Inc. (CPSO) to support a study that will assess the feasibility and inform the design of a regional stock exchange.

PARAMARIBO – President Jennifer Simons has returned from a four-day visit to the United Kingdom optimistic of greater international involvement in the oil and gas sector in Suriname.

SPORTS:

PORT OF SPAIN – Third day of the first test match between West Indies and Pakistan at the Brian Lara Stadium at Toruba.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has praised Cuba for maintaining its relationship with the sub-regional grouping despite the ‘weight’ of a trade and economic embargo imposed on the Caribbean country by the United States dating back to 1962.

‘Few nations have demonstrated that solidarity as consistently, or as generously, as Cuba. Through every challenge Cuba itself has faced: economic hardship, isolation, the weight of an embargo now well into its seventh decade, it has never wavered in extending a hand to our region and people,’ OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules said as he accepted the Letters of Credence from Cuba’s new ambassador, Yenielys Vilma Regueiferos Linares.

Jules said that the OECS will continue to approach its relationship with Cuba by practical, shared priorities of sustainable development, regional solidarity, and the wellbeing of our peoples.

‘Ambassador, please know that you assume your post in a region that regards Cuba as a longstanding friend, one whose doctors have cared for our sick, whose universities have educated our leaders, and whose solidarity has never depended on the size of our states or the strength of our economies.

‘The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States looks forward to working closely with you to deepen this partnership further: in health, in education, in disaster resilience, in agriculture, in ocean governance, and in whatever new areas our shared future may call us to explore,’ he added.

The St. Lucia-based OECS Commission said that Cuba and the OECS partners have strengthened bilateral cooperation despite many challenges, delivering significant humanitarian benefits through initiatives such as EverProTe for diabetic foot ulcer treatment, the Yes I Can literacy programme, and Operation Miracle, which restored sight to thousands across the Caribbean.

It said cooperation has also included Cuban medical assistance during COVID-19, educational scholarships, and hurricane recovery support.

In her remarks, the Cuban diplomat reiterated the theme of unity saying ‘the countries and territories of the OECS can always count on the solidarity of sister island of Cuba,’ praising the grouping for supporting Havana during its current and amplified geopolitical challenges.

‘No society can survive without energy. We have only received one oil vessel in seven months, and the impact is unbelievable in hospitals, schools, senior centres, children in need and in general all sectors of society. To the OECS from the heart of every Cuban…’thank you’.

‘Solidarity in regional, multilateral and bilateral forums is highly appreciated. Donations from governments and various organisations have been a pillar for continuing this battle of morality and dignity.

‘Regional and global challenges are numerous in an unstable, unequal and complex world. Only through unity and integration will we be able to respond to the chaotic landscape in which we live.’

The OECS groups the independent islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis as well as Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.

The United States has sharply escalated its economic pressure on Cuba through executive actions targeting energy supplies, financial transactions, and foreign trade.

In recent months, Washington has imposed a strict fuel and energy embargo on Cuba by blocking oil shipments and sanctioning state oil company Unión Cuba-Petróleo. In addition, the North American country has established secondary sanctions against foreign companies and financial institutions dealing with Cuba and is also threatening nternational banks and third-country suppliers with severe penalties.