Category: CANA News

Veteran West Indies Women’s spinner Afy Fletcher wants her teammates to be fully focused when they come up against Zimbabwe Women in their One Day International decider here on Wednesday.

With the three-match series tied at 1-1, the West Indies Women will be eyeing a series defining win in the final ODI at Harare Sports Club.

The visitors began the tour in winning fashion by romping to a 99-run victory in the opening game, but a disappointing batting performance saw them slump to a surprising four wicket defeat in the second match on Sunday. Speaking to the media ahead of the final match, Fletcher said the team needed to put the loss behind them and focus on the game ahead.

Fletcher became the first female player from Grenada to play 100 ODIs for the West Indies when she took the field in the second match.

‘We had some failures in the department, especially with the batting, but we can’t dwell on that, we just have to refocus and revisit where the mistakes happened.

‘It’s an important game tomorrow and it’s an important game also for some points for the Qualifiers, so I just think that we need to refocus and be ready and be prepared and be in the right frame of mind,’ Fletcher said.

‘We need to come out there and compete as we always do and give a good performance, believe in ourselves and our ability and our skills and trust the process.’

It was a perfect Sunday for the Caribbean in Group A of the 2026/2027 Concacaf Nations League, as Haiti, Curaçao and the Dominican Republic each continued their winning ways in League A.

At Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica, Haiti opened the day with a 2-0 victory over Costa Rica. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde put Haiti ahead in the 9th minute, firing a right-footed shot past the Costa Rica defence.

Francisco Calvo’s own goal in the 39th minute doubled the lead and secured the win for Haiti. Curaçao followed with a dominant 6-1 rout of Nicaragua at Stadion Ergilio Hato in Willemstad. Livano Comenencia opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a right-footed strike from outside the box.

Kenji Gorré made it 2-0 in the 11th, Leandro Bacuna headed in a corner in the 19th, and Juninho Bacuna added a fourth in the 27th.

Gorré then completed his brace with a right-footed shot from inside the area to make it 5-0.

Nicaragua pulled one back in the 62nd minute when Jaime Moreno volleyed home with his left foot from outside the box. Jrgen Locadia closed the scoring in the 88th, sealing Curaçao’s second Group A win.

In Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic completed a 2-1 comeback against Trinidad and Tobago at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Daniel Phillips gave the Soca Warriors the lead in the 37th minute with a right-footed strike from the edge of the box.

Heinz Mörschel levelled for the Dominican Republic in the 42nd with a long-range right-footed shot, and Mariano Díaz completed the turnaround in the 50th with a right-footed finish.

With the wins, Haiti, Curaçao and the Dominican Republic all maintained their strong starts in Group A.

West Indies batsman Amir Jangoo believes his team fell 20 to 30 runs short of a competitive total after they suffered an eight-wicket defeat to India in the opening One-Day International at the Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday.

The visitors posted 295 for 7 in their 50 overs, a total that India chased down with ease, reaching 300 for 2 in just 41.4 overs, powered by a stunning 139 not out from Virat Kohli and a captain’s knock of 110 from Shubman Gill.

West Indies batsman Amir Jangoo

Jangoo, who contributed a composed 58, acknowledged the challenge of facing a world-class Indian side in their home conditions but rued the missed opportunity to put more pressure on the hosts.

‘To be fair, I think we knew coming to India would have been an uphill battle, but we knew that we wanted to compete and actually win games,’ Jangoo said following the match. ‘I think getting to 296 probably falls short by, say, 20, 30 runs. So we just tried to make it as difficult as possible for them. Obviously, they have outstanding players, and they got the job done.’

The West Indies innings was built on a solid 101-run contribution from Justin Greaves, an effort that Jangoo was quick to praise.

‘I think Justin was absolutely superb today. Credit goes to him,’ Jangoo said. ‘He’s such a hard worker, and it’s really good to see the way he batted today. I think he was just outstanding, and yeah, he set up the foundation for the team.’

However, the total proved insufficient against an Indian batting lineup that made the chase look easy. Jangoo also highlighted the impact of India’s spinners, particularly Kuldeep Yadav, who broke the back of the West Indies middle order with figures of 4 for 40.

‘I think Kuldeep and [Ravindra] Jadeja ended up coming into their own and made it a bit difficult for our batters in the middle,’ he noted. ‘When I came to bat, I think it was just about building a partnership with [Roston] Chase. And then once I faced probably 20 balls, I know I just tried my best to carry up my strike rate, and try to pick the right balls.’

Reflecting on his own innings and the conditions, Jangoo added: ‘The wicket was a good one. The ground is not the biggest as well. So we’re all about executing and luckily enough it came off for me. It’s a good start for me in the series.’

The 29-year-old, playing in India for the first time, was asked about the technical adjustments required. He suggested the transition from Caribbean pitches was not as daunting as some might think.

‘I think not really many adjustments. I think wickets in the Caribbean are a bit more difficult. So I think coming to these conditions is a bit easier, I will say,’ he explained. ‘Even though the bowling lineup is obviously world-class, I think as you can see, once the conditions are in your favour as a batsman, it doesn’t really matter who’s bowling to you, to be fair. So yeah, for us, it’s all about playing as a team, I would say, and as a batting unit and let everyone play their roles to the best of their abilities.’

Looking ahead to the second ODI, Jangoo emphasised the need for the batting unit to adapt and apply pressure more effectively.

‘I think we have to see how the conditions are as well when we go to the second ODI. I think today the ball got a bit older that I noticed, and when it got a bit older, it started to spin a bit more,’ he said. ‘But I think all of us are different batsmen. We have our individual skills. So it’s all about what all of us have to do is to put him under pressure as well. I think we allowed him to get into his spell, given the start that we had as well.’

Despite the loss, Jangoo remains focused on regrouping for the remainder of the series.

‘I think for us now it’s just to regroup, see where we went wrong, what we can improve on, and look forward to the next game,’ he concluded.

India lead the 3-match ODI series 1-0.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Monday said it had conducted a virtual mission in Haiti to assess progress under the country’s staff-monitored program (SMP).

SMPs are informal agreements between country authorities and the IMF to monitor implementation of the authorities’ economic program and build a track record that could pave the way for financial assistance under an IMF-supported programme with access to upper credit tranche (UCT) resources.

It is tailored to Haiti’s context of acute security challenges, institutional fragility, and capacity constraints. It supports the authorities’ economic policy priorities, including stabilising the economy, strengthening governance, and reinforcing the social safety net.

The mission was headed by Camilo E. Tovar, who in a statement, said Haiti faces an ‘exceptionally challenging macroeconomic environment’ shaped by persistent insecurity, dire humanitarian and social conditions, and multiple adverse shocks.

He said higher oil prices are weighing on the fiscal and external positions and have contributed to higher living costs, while the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in the United States could reduce remittance inflows and aggravate economic and humanitarian vulnerabilities.

‘These challenges are unfolding amid a fragile political transition and preparations for elections. Despite these headwinds and challenging conditions, the authorities have continued to implement their economic program and safeguard macroeconomic stability.’

Tovar said economic activity is expected to contract for an eighth consecutive year this financial year.

He said persistent insecurity, higher oil prices, and weak prospects for textile and apparel exports continued to weigh on activity. Inflation is projected at about 16 per cent year-on-year in this financial year, significantly below its peak of over 32 per cent in October 2025, supported by a stable exchange rate.

The IMF official said financial intermediation remains subdued against the backdrop of weak activity and heightened uncertainty.

‘The external position continues to be supported by strong remittance inflows and adequate reserve buffers. The current account is expected to remain in surplus despite a weak trade balance, while gross international reserves remain adequate at about seven months of prospective imports. However, sustained increases in fuel import costs remain a source of vulnerability for the external sector.’

Tovar said fiscal policy faces growing pressure from exceptionally low revenue, higher international oil prices, and Haiti’s pressing security, humanitarian, and development needs.

He said creating space for these priorities, while protecting the most vulnerable and preserving macroeconomic stability, will require stronger revenue mobilization, continued efforts to strengthen tax and customs administration, realistic expenditure planning and prioritization, and prudent financing without recourse to non-concessional loans.

‘Strengthening budget execution, cash management, and payroll integrity would improve spending quality, and enhance control over the wage bill, thereby helping create room for priority spending,’ Tovar added.

He said risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Renewed security setbacks, higher oil prices, and delayed pass-through of fuel-price and minimum-wage increases could weigh on growth and keep inflation elevated.

‘Weaker remittance inflows following TPS termination and possible El Niño-related drought add further downside risks. On the upside, lower oil prices, stronger security gains, and a smooth electoral process that reduces uncertainty and bolsters confidence could support a stronger recovery.

‘Programme implementation has continued under exceptionally challenging conditions. At end-June, all quantitative and indicative targets were met except for the continuous target on the non-accumulation of external arrears.’

Tovar said that external arrears accumulated temporarily due to administrative and capacity constraints and were promptly cleared. Net international reserves increased to about US$1.9 billion by end-June 2026, well above the programme floor.

He said that the ceiling target on central bank financing of the nonfinancial public sector was met at end-June 2026. The implementation of the reform agenda is advancing, albeit with some delays reflecting capacity constraints and a very difficult operating environment.

The Haitian authorities have also reported progress in areas covered by forthcoming structural benchmarks and remain committed to continuing the implementation of the reform agenda.

Tovar said that the SMP will continue to emphasise several priorities including strengthening governance and financial integrity to reinforce confidence in public institutions and the rule of law.

He said operationalizing the recently established specialised judicial chambers for complex financial crimes and mass crimes will be critical to strengthening enforcement against corruption, money laundering, and organized crime.

Implementing the National Risk Assessment action plan and advancing Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-related reforms should remain priorities, including through a well-resourced Central Financial Intelligence Unit (UCREF), stronger beneficial ownership transparency, enhanced interagency coordination, and more effective asset tracking and recovery.

‘Strengthening revenue mobilisation to support priority spending needs. The entry into force of the new tax code on October 1st will mark an important milestone in Haiti’s tax reform agenda, consolidating and modernizing the tax framework.’

Tovar said effective implementation of the new tax code, continued modernisation of the tax and customs administration, stronger tax-customs interoperability, and maintenance of a transparent, rules-based fuel pricing framework will be essential to improve compliance, reduce leakages, and support domestic revenue mobilization.

He said making more effective use of public resources. Strengthening cash and public investment management and commitment controls, and implementing Treasury Single Tovar said account consolidation remain critical to improve budget execution and reduce fiscal risks.

‘Advancing ongoing efforts to strengthen payroll integrity and wage bill management could create room for priority spending needs. Better expenditure traceability, beneficiary identification, and targeting would help ensure that social assistance reaches intended beneficiaries.

‘Effective use of the remaining resources from the IMF 2023 Food Shock Window, while addressing the findings from ongoing oversight and audit reports, will be important to support vulnerable households, strengthen social assistance delivery, and enhance accountability and transparency.

‘Maintaining prudent debt management practices and securing adequate resources for timely debt service obligations remains critical to safeguard fiscal sustainability and reduce financing risks.’

Tovar said maintaining confidence in the monetary and exchange rate framework. The Banque de la République d’Haïti (BRH) remains committed to preserving price and exchange rate stability, which underpin policy credibility under the SMP.

‘Preserving an adequate level of reserve buffers is essential to support confidence and enhance resilience to external shocks. At the same time, continued implementation of the reserve management strategy, including stronger internal controls, clearer risk-management practices, enhanced governance of investment decisions, and ongoing progress in information technology (IT) security and business continuity arrangements, will further strengthen governance, risk management, and operational resilience at the BRH.’

Antigua and Barbuda Monday disagreed with the majority of its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states and reiterated its support behind a former foreign affairs minister and defense minister of Ecuador for position of the United Nations Secretary General, saying the new holder of the post will inherit a global organisation confronting wars and conflicts that devastate lives and undermine international capability.

CARICOM countries have been using the on going 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to reaffirm their support for Guyana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who was officially endorsed as the region’s candidate during the CARICOM summit held in St. Lucia in July this year.

She is one of seven candidates, including four women, seeking to replace Antonio Guterres, who second five year term ends in December this year.

But in his address to the UNGA on its final day, the chair of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation to the UNGA, Ambassador Walton Webson, said deep geopolitical divisions will exist and that financial constraints, the climate emergency, and declining trust will test the organisation’s capacity to respond.

The prominent, legally blind diplomat said that the choice before the globl community is about more than selecting an individual and more about the future direction of the United Nations.

‘That is why Antigua and Barbuda has nominated Maria Fernandez Espinoza to serve as the next Secretary General. We believe that she is the right leader for this moment. After more than 80 years, no woman has ever served as Secretary General.

‘The time is now. Our case for Ms. Espinoza rests not on gender, it rests on competence, experience, independence, and leadership. At a time of fragmentation, the United Nations needs a credible bridge builder capable of restoring confidence in multilateralism,’ Webson said.

He told the international community that Antigua and Barbuda believes that. Fernandez Espinoza demonstrated that when she was a leader of the General Assembly.

‘We believe that she can provide the leadership we need now,’ Webson said, adding that the United Nations must invest as seriously in preventing wars as it does in responding after they begin.

‘Diplomacy, mediation, and development must be central to that work. Throughout every crisis, one principle must remain constant. International law must apply equally to all. The credibility of the international system depends upon this consistency,’ he said, adding that the United Nations reform programme must extend to the Security Council.

‘Its composition, its decisions, and its capacity to act. Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the initiative led by France and Mexico, calling on the permanent members to refrain voluntarily from using the veto, but use it especially in situations of mass atrocities.

‘We will join the growing number of member states, last count 127, in supporting this call.The veto must not paralyse the Council’s work or prevent it from fulfilling its responsibility to maintaining international peace and security.’

Webson said that reform must also address representation questioning Africa’s continued exclusion from the permanent membership, describing it as ‘an injustice that must be corrected.

‘Africa must have permanent representation at the Security Council. Small island developing states (SIDS) must also have an assured seat at the table, and we call for a dedicated SIDS seat on a reformed Council.’

Webson said that the Council’s credibility depends equally on its response to those who urgently need its support.

‘The crisis in Haiti is a human tragedy and challenges Caribbean stability and democracy. We call on the Security Council to renew the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force and international partners to provide the personnel, equipment, and sustained finance needed to shape that mandate and make it effective.’

Webson said that the hardship faced by the Cuban people demands attention and that Antigua and Barbuda is calling on the United States and Cuba, ‘to return to the table of diplomacy and work as good neighbours would towards resolving their long-standing dispute.

‘The Cuban people must not bear the collective punishment for political disagreement. Their well-being must remain central to efforts to find a peaceful, lasting solution. Across our region, our purpose is clear – to protect human dignity, strengthen stability, and ensure that dialogue and cooperation prevail.’

The Antigua and Barbuda diplomat also noted that multilateralism is under ‘profound strain.

‘Economic uncertainties continue to grow. Technology is racing ahead of governance. Artificial intelligence offers extraordinary possibilities, but it also raises profound concerns about who will control its development and share in its benefit.

‘Small island developing states must not be left out as spectators, nor can we accept an international system in which rules are binding upon the weak, but negotiable for the powerful.’

He said international law must apply equally and that sovereignty cannot depend upon power nor justice upon one’s friends.

‘Antigua and Barbuda commands neither a great army nor large markets. International law, cooperation and multilateralism are fundamental to our security and stability. For us, the United Nations is not optional. It is essential to our survival.

‘We support a more efficient, coherent and accountable United Nations. But efficiency cannot become another word for retreat,’ Webson said, noting that the UN80 reform process must be judged by whether this organisation serves people better.

He said that for SIDS that means protecting the development pillar, advancing implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS, ABAS, and bringing effective support closer to those who need it most.

He said trade disputes, tariffs and economic fragmentation raises the cost of food, transport and development, noting that too often, small island states pay the price for disputes we did not create.

‘We call upon the major economies to choose dialogue and cooperation. Fairness, Mr. President, must also govern international finance. A hurricane does not check GDP (gross domestic product) before destroying a school. (

‘Rising seas does not consult income classification before entering a home or village. That is why the multivulnerability index matters. It provides a fairer measure of the structural vulnerabilities that small island states and it helps GDP because GDP alone cannot provide this measurement. ‘

Webson said that nowhere is the urgency greater than in the climate crisis, adding that for SIDS like his country, climate change is not a warning about tomorrow.

‘We are experiencing it today. Warmer oceans fuel more destructive hurricanes. Coastlines are retreating. Salt water destroys fresh water and throws upon it, forcing countries like Antigua and Barbuda to spend increasingly more costly means to secure fresh drinking water.’

He said that the UNGA’s high-level meeting on sea level rise placed before the international community fundamental questions of statehood, sovereignty, maritime rights, displacement, culture, and identity.

‘Climate change must never be allowed to erase a nation’s sovereignty, its statehood, or the rights of its people. Antigua and Barbuda and other vulnerable states sought clarity on the obligations of states in relationship to climate change.

‘The International Court of Justice has spoken. Climate obligations are not acts of generosity. They are responsibilities under international law. For small states, international law is more than a moral aspiration. It is our strategic shield.’

Webson said that for states, climate justice is survival, adding that climate justice cannot be separated from historic justice.

‘The Caribbean did not arrive at this moment on equal terms. Centuries of enslavement and colonial extraction transformed, transferred wealth from our societies and denied the generations the means to build prosperity.

‘Political independence did not erase those arms. Today, countries that contribute least to climate change must borrow at high costs and rebuild from disaster given overwhelmingly by emissions that we did not have anything but that comes from afar.’

He said this is where climate debt meets historic debt.

Antigua and Barbuda stands firm with CARICOM and Africa in demanding repertory justice for people of African descent. Repertory justice requires acknowledging responsibility, repairing, continuing harm, and correcting structures that still reproduce inequality.

‘Expressions of regret are not enough. Justice requires honest dialogue followed by concrete measures and repair and restoration and development. Repertory justice is not a favour. It is a claim grounded in responsibility, equality, and human dignity.’

Webson said that development finds its true meaning in the lives and dignity of people, noting that non-communicable diseases cut short too many lives and diminishes the quality of lives of too many people in his country and in the Caribbean region.

‘These diseases, detecting them early and ensuring effective treatment are national development priorities for Antigua and Barbuda. Mental health challenges are increasing. Preventable vision loss denies dozens and dozens of our people opportunities to learn, work, and live independently,’ he said, promising that Antigua and Barbuda will continue to champion mental health, strengthen its universal health programme to address non-communicable diseases, and place health firmly within its development priorities.

West Indies batsman Justin Greaves described his maiden ODI century as a special moment, especially against India in a packed house, but admitted his side’s 295 for seven was not enough in the opening game of the three-match series.

Greaves struck 101 from 108 balls, hitting 12 fours, and shared an opening stand of 135 in 19.2 overs with John Campbell. Despite that platform, India’s powerful batting line-up completed the chase as West Indies fell to defeat.

‘Happy to get the first one out of the way,’ Greaves told CWI Media. ‘In terms of the innings, I think I started pretty well. Got off to a quick start and then just about kept that tempo throughout the innings.’

Reflecting on the pitch, he said: ‘The pitch was pretty good, as you could see from the scores in the game. And it was just about keeping it low risk. Play proper cricket shots and just try to get through the power play and then just take it from there.’ Greaves credited hard work and discipline for his recent form, particularly in his white-ball role at the top of the order.

‘It’s come down to a lot of hard work and a lot of discipline in terms of going out there. Understanding my role as well in terms of opening the batting in white-ball cricket. To bat as long as possible, to bat as deep as possible and to help the team get those big scores.’

On the team’s total, he was candid: ‘It obviously wasn’t enough because India’s batting lineup is very good. But in terms of us as a group, I think we did some things really well today.

Again, talking about the start between John Campbell and myself. We slowed a bit, but then I think Amir (Jangoo) played a very good innings, as well as Roston (Chase). But it’s just understanding where we need to be in terms of going into the qualifiers and trying to get that momentum.’

Asked how he would rate his first Test century against his first ODI century, Greaves did not hesitate: ‘First ODI century.’

The reason? ‘To be in India, packed house. Yeah. Always special to play against India.’ West Indies travelled to Guwahati on Monday evening and will train on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the second ODI.

The Caribbean Diaspora in North America has been paying glowing tributes to the legendary Calypso King of the World, the Mighty Sparrow, who died on Sunday at the age 91.

In a statement, his family said that Sparrow – the Grenadian-born and Trinidad and Tobago iconic calypso ambassador – died peacefully in Queens, New York, surrounded by loved ones, after a brief illness.

The Trinidadian-born president of the Brooklyn-based Caribbean American Center of New York, Jean P. Alexander, said her non-profit organization ‘mourns the passing and celebrates the remarkable life of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow.

‘Sparrow’s story began in Grenada, took root in Trinidad, and travelled wherever Caribbean people made a home,’ said Alexander, a former member of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn-based West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), organizer of the largest Caribbean Carnival parade in North America.

‘From singing in the church choir to his breakthrough with ‘Jean and Dinah’, he brought wit, joy, and fearless storytelling to calypso.

‘His voice became part of the soundtrack of our live. We will always cherish the honor of presenting the Calypso King of the World’s 70th birthday celebration at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn.

‘That gathering remains a treasured part of our center’s history and a reminder of how his music brought our community together. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you, Mighty Sparrow, for the songs, the laughter, and the stories you gave us. Your legacy will live on in every generation that sings along,’ Alexander said.

WIADCA said briefly: ‘Our legend has transitioned. Dr. Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, may your light shine for eternity.’

James Richmond, a Guyanese-born Seventh day Adventist Church pastor in Brooklyn, offered ‘our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow.

‘It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of a beloved calypso icon whose music, talent and mentorship touched countless lives. We also take comfort in knowing that, before his passing, he gave his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized in the Seventh-day Adventist Christian faith.

‘And we remember, too, the many gifted musicians whose work helped bring his songs to life,’ Pastor Richmond added.

Another Caribbean pastor in Brooklyn, Louis Straker, Jr., the son of former St. Vincent and the Grenadines deputy prime minister and foreign affairs minister, Sir Louis Straker, noted that: ‘Today, our Caribbean community mourns the passing of one of its greatest musical giants, the legendary Slinger Francisco, Calypso King of the World, also known as, the Mighty Sparrow.

‘Born in Grand Roy, Grenada, and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Sparrow became far more than a calypsonian,’ said the pastor of the Reflections Church on Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, whose mother is Trinidadian.

‘He became a voice of the Caribbean and a true cultural ambassador whose songs captured the joys, struggles, politics, humor and spirit of our people. Although he will be greatly missed, his musical genius and legacy will continue to live on,’ Pastor Straker csaod.

The Grenada’s Consul General to Canada, Gerry Hopkin, said Sparrow was ‘certainly one of the Caribbean’s finest cultural ambassadors.’

Hopkin said Sparrow was ‘a distinguished social commentator, a story-teller, a historian, an activist, an artiste, a philosopher and a diplomat.

‘Only a few names of other Caribbean personalities of comparable caliber, who have been recognized officially or unofficially as cultural ambassadors in the arts, come to mind, whenever I reflect on the achievements of Dr. Slinger Francisco,’ he said.

‘Names, such as Sidney Poitier, Bob Marley, Arrow, Lord Kitchener, Harry Belafonte, Louise Bennett, Derrick Walcott, Machel Montano, Billy Ocean, Black Wizard, and Ajamu, are some of the few who come to mind.

‘Objectively speaking, it has been an enlightening honour knowing and working with Dr. Francisco,’ Hopkin said, adding ‘this was especially so when we collaborated in our endorsement during the 2007 US Presidential Campaign of then Senator Barack Obama.’

He recalled that it was then that Sparrow composed and recorded the first musical endorsement of the former US President ‘by any celebrity of note, in any genre.

‘The song is ‘Barack the Magnificent’, which I arranged to have Sparrow deliver on August 22, 2007 at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott, the location of Obama’s first Brooklyn campaign rally.

‘Grenada gave him to the world, his Grenadian parents nurtured him in T and T (Trinidad and Tobago), and he has gone on to proudly represent our heritage wherever he goes. His voluminous works of music are living catalogs, channels for the inter-generational transfer of wisdom, adages and stories of old,’ he added.

Former perennial Grenada Calypso Monarch-turned-gospel artiste, King Ajamu, whose real name is Edson Mitchell, also paid tribute to Sparrow.

‘Words cannot describe the heaviness of my heart this day, but am comforted by the fact that you have made it well with our Lord Jesus,’ said King Ajamu, currently residing in Virginia.

‘I wish you were able to hear the finished work on my cover of the Slave honoring you, but I guess as you said to me you didn’t have to confirm what I did because you know I would do a good job. ‘It is well with your soul, uncle,’ he added. ‘Now, you sing to the angels.’

The family said plans for a public celebration of Sparrow’s life are being arranged.

Rosebel Gold Mines N.V. (RGM) says it has requested support from the relevant government authorities to promptly coordinate site inspections, evidence collection, and environmental assessments amid reports illegal mining activities in the Overman area.

The company said that such action is needed to take the necessary lawful measures to stop unauthorized mining and prevent environmental risks from escalating.

Media reports said that the illegal mining has so ar costs the company an estimated US$138.3 million in damage

In a statement, the RGM said that it is aware of recent media reports about the illegal mining activities adding ‘we value the media and public attention to these activities and support transparent, accurate reporting and lawful investigations to establish the facts and protect the local environment and community safety.

‘The area identified in the reports falls within the area covered by RGM’s lawful exploration rights, not exploitation rights. This means RGM is authorised to conduct exploration activities in the area but does not hold the right to commercially mine or extract minerals there.

‘RGM upholds these rights and has never authorized any other party to conduct the reported mining activities there. These activities are neither conducted by RGM nor carried out on its behalf. Such unauthorized extraction seriously infringes RGM’s lawful rights and impedes exploration and project preparation.’

RGM said it had identified these unauthorised activities as early as January 2020 and reported them to the relevant government authorities that month, requesting action.

The company said that it has continued to engage with the authorities and seek their support for removing these unauthorized miners.

It said that since the Chinese-owned Zijin Mining Group Co. Ltd. in acquired RGM in 2023, it has wanted to conduct lawful exploration activities there ‘but has been unable to do so because of site security concerns caused by unauthorized miners on the property.

‘We are particularly concerned about the reported use of chemicals and the potentially serious effects of these activities on local water bodies, soil, ecosystems, and community health. The chemicals involved, compliance with applicable requirements, and actual environmental impacts should be established through on-site investigations, sampling, and testing by the competent authorities.’

RGM said it has requested support from the relevant government authorities to promptly coordinate site inspections, evidence collection, and environmental assessments, and to take the necessary lawful measures to stop unauthorized mining and prevent environmental risks from escalating.

It said subject to safe access, the company is willing to provide available information and necessary logistical assistance to support this work.

‘RGM will fully comply with Surinamese laws and regulations, pursue lawful means to protect its rights in the relevant exploration area, and continue collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to support responsible mining and environmental protection.’

The Antigua and Barbuda government Monday released to the public the proposal received from the United States government concerning the operating procedures for the possible transfer of third-country nationals removed from the North America country.

In addition, St. John’s has also released its counter-proposal sent to Washington.

Both documents are to be tabled in the House of Representatives by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sir Steadroy Benjamin. ‘The Government is doing so in keeping with its commitment to transparency and to keeping Parliament and the people of Antigua and Barbuda fully informed on a matter involving the country’s sovereignty, security, laws, public finances and national interest,’ according to an official statement issue here.

It maintained that ‘no agreement has been concluded’ and that the United States document is a proposal and the Antigua and Barbuda document is a counter-proposal.

‘Discussions between the two Governments are continuing. The discussions are part of a wider initiative undertaken by the United States with countries in different parts of the world, including members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

‘Some CARICOM countries have entered into arrangements with the United States, while others have engaged in discussions concerning proposals made to them by the United States,’ the statement said, adding that Antigua and Barbuda is responding to a request from the United States and has sought to determine whether, and under what strictly controlled conditions, it could responsibly cooperate while protecting its national interests.

Among the principal safeguards in the Antigua and Barbuda’s counter-proposal are tnat every person proposed for transfer must be considered individually and receive the prior express written approval of the government of Antigua and Barbuda; a maximum of seven persons in any three-month period, which is a ceiling and not a quota or obligation and strict requirements concerning eligibility, criminal and security screening, health, immigration history, protection claims and valid travel documentation.

In addition St. John’s said that there should be confirmation that each proposed individual has been informed that Antigua and Barbuda is the destination, understands the temporary nature of the arrangement, and has indicated in writing a willingness to be transferred as well as admission and temporary presence would be governed by the laws of Antigua and Barbuda.

There is also to be ‘satisfactory financial and operational arrangements must be in place so that the costs arising from the transfer and continued presence of persons do not become a burden on the taxpayers of Antigua and Barbuda; satisfactory arrangements for lawful return or onward placement when a person’s temporary presence comes to an end; and the right of Antigua and Barbuda to suspend further transfers where national security, public order, public health, capacity, financial or other serious concerns arise.’

The statement said that the counter-proposal also envisages a possible supporting role for the International Organization for Migration )IOM) subject to its own requirements and to appropriate arrangements with the government of Antigua and Barbuda.

‘The Government emphasises that the sovereign decision whether to accept or refuse any person proposed for transfer will remain with Antigua and Barbuda in every individual case.

Antigua and Barbuda values its longstanding relationship with the United States and will continue to engage constructively with the United States Government.

‘Cooperation, however, must be consistent with Antigua and Barbuda’s laws, limited capacity and national interest, while ensuring that persons affected are treated with dignity and in accordance with applicable law.’

The statement said that by publishing the two proposals and placing them before the House of Representatives, the government ‘is fulfilling its undertaking that this matter will be dealt with openly and with respect for Parliament and the people’.

‘The Government will continue to keep Parliament and the public informed as the discussions proceed,’ th statement added.

Grenada Monday paid tribute to its renowned son of the soil, the Mighty Sparrow, the legendary calypso king of the world, who died in New York on Sunday after a brief illness. He was 91 years-old.

‘The Mighty Sparrow may have sung his final song, but his voice will forever echo in the hearts of Caribbean people. His music, his message and his remarkable legacy will continue to inspire generations yet to come,’ said Tourism, Creative Economy and Culture Minister, Adrian Thomas.

‘For us in Grenada, his life carries special significance. From a rural community in St. John emerged a young Grenadian whose talent crossed geographical boundaries and helped shape the cultural identity of an entire region. His journey demonstrates the remarkable talent nurtured in our small islands and its capacity to leave a lasting imprint on the world.’

Thomas described Sparrow, ‘as one of the region’s most celebrated cultural icons’ noting that Slinger Francisco, was born here in Grand Roy, and ‘carried the spirit of the Caribbean into the hearts of audiences across the world.

‘Although he made Trinidad and Tobago his home and the centre of his remarkable musical career, his Grenadian roots remain an enduring source of national pride.’

Thomas said that Sparrow was ‘an entertainer extraordinaire, a storyteller, a social commentator and cultural ambassador whose music reflected the struggles, triumphs, humour and aspirations of Caribbean people.

‘Through his powerful voice, unparalleled wit and masterful use of language, he transformed calypso into a platform for education, social consciousness, political commentary and celebration.

‘His timeless compositions, including Jean and Dinah, Dan Is the Man, Education and Slave, transcend the realm of music. They are enduring expressions of our Caribbean cultural heritage, preserving the experiences, stories and voices of generations.’

Thomas said that he recognises Sparrow’s legacy as ‘an affirmation of the importance of preserving our musical heritage, investing in our artistes and ensuring that younger generations understand and appreciate the pioneers upon whose shoulders they stand.

‘May we all find comfort in the cherished memories of a son of the Caribbean whose life and artistry enriched our collective cultural heritage and whose contributions will continue to resonate across generations,’ Thomas said as he extended ‘heartfelt condolences’ to Sparrow’s family, his friends, fellow calypsonians, the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, and the wider Caribbean cultural fraternity.

Sparrow’s family said plans for a public celebration of his life are being arranged.