Category: CANA News

West Indies trail New Zealand by 111 runs after reaching 120 for five at tea on the second day of the opening Test here at Hagley Oval on Tuesday.

NEW ZEALAND 231 in 70.3 overs (Kane Williamson 52, Michael Bracewell 47, Tom Blundell 29, Tom Latham 24, Nathan Smith 23, Will Young 14; Ojay Shields 2-34, Justin Greaves 2-35, Jayden Seales 2-44, Kemar Roach 2-47).

WEST INDIES 120-5 in 54 overs (Shai Hope 56, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 45 not out; Matt Henry 3-20)

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, says connectivity remains critical for the region’s development, noting that it is a vital element in the quest to achieve regional integration, economic development and social cohesion.

Addressing the five-day ‘The Connected Caribbean Summit 2025 (CCS 2025),’ being held here under the theme ‘Connecting the Caribbean – How far we have come, how much further to go,’ Barnett said that digital networks, air travel, and maritime transport are vital to achieving the goals of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Barnett said that the key objective of the CSME is to make it possible and easy for CARICOM nationals and businesses to move freely across the 15-member regional integration grouping fueling economic activity and trade as well as social and cultural engagement.

‘To do this effectively, the people of the region need to be able to connect efficiently, conveniently and cost-effectively. This is required whether we are connecting through digital networks of interconnecting telecommunications systems or through air and sea transportation networks moving people and goods across the Community.’

She said that over the years, much work has been done to address the challenges of inadequate connectedness in the region.

‘Conversations on the Single Digital Space, for example, tarried long; as have our discussions on expanded air and sea transportation. We have made progress, but there remains a lot of work to be done.’

Se said transportation, whether by air or by sea, is a critical factor in the building of business and personal relationships, through facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

‘Over the years, especially more recently, we have seen the establishment of additional intra-regional airlines that have expanded links across our region. These efforts have strengthened intraregional mobility, but more can be done. Limited flight options and high operational costs restrict affordable air travel within the region.

‘Similarly, developments in maritime links are ongoing, with a focus on improving port infrastructure and shipping services to facilitate the movement of people and goods – especially agricultural commodities – across our region. There are plans being developed to establish ferry services starting in the southern Caribbean. ‘

The CARICOM Secretary General said that there are ongoing efforts to address maritime safety and standards, and to improve port efficiency through various initiatives. But she acknowledged that variable port infrastructure and logistical hurdles affect maritime transport efficiency, affecting trade and mobility.

‘Regulatory barriers, varying customs procedures and requirements still complicate smooth cross-border movement. These challenges underscore the urgent need for strategic investments, policy harmonisation, and sustainable solutions to ensure our transportation networks are resilient and capable of supporting future growth.’

Barnett said that information and communication technology (ICT) is growing in importance as a vital connector of the people of the CARICOM region and that enhanced ICT infrastructure and digital innovations have created opportunities for regional communication, broadcasting, e-commerce, and virtual collaboration, further contributing to connectivity as a cornerstone of the regional development trajectory.

She said the CARICOM region has a relatively high mobile telecommunications penetration and countries are achieving a notable level of digital skills maturity.

‘Guided by important regional strategies, policies and initiatives, such as the Regional Digital Development Strategy, the Single ICT Space and growing integration of ICT into the delivery of services in both the public and private sectors, we are poised to experience an even greater demand for strengthened digital connectivity across our region’.

But she said there are challenges, opportunities and risks, noting for example, many questions being are being asked about the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) ‘in our lives, the way we work and relate with each other.

‘There is a need for much guidance and advice from experts – some of whom are in this room – and much knowledge sharing as we seek to manage these developments,’ she said, adding ‘this means pushing for the deployment of LTE, 5G and cutting-edge technologies as well as ensuring equitable access to connectivity for our most vulnerable and rural communities, and fostering true competition in the digital space’.

Barnett said that while CARICOM has achieved much, the work continues.

‘We are faced with challenges that require collective action. Looking ahead, our focus must be sharp, strategic, and unified. There is no progress without challenges. This is as true for connectivity as it is for all areas critical for economic and social development. Prioritising strategic partnerships and targeted investments is necessary to create a robust regional air and sea transport network and to drive digital transformation.

‘Our full potential as a region hinges on our continued commitment to be innovative, united, and sustainable. Collaborative partnerships and targeted investments by both the private and the public sectors are the keys that will unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade, and socio-economic development,’ Barnett told the delegates.

Since its inception in 2019, the CCS has fostered regional cooperation, evidence-based policy, responsible innovation, and capacity building, delivering practical improvements in governance, economic competitiveness, justice delivery, and social outcomes.

The Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) Wednesday said it will launch a new initiative in Jamaica this week in the wake of the disaster caused by Hurricane Melissa, which left thousands of low-income Jamaicans struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

It said that the Livelihood Protection Policy (LPP), is a parametric microinsurance product designed specifically for groups most exposed to climate shocks yet traditionally excluded from formal insurance markets.

CCRIF said that Hurricane Melissa underscored the urgent need for accessible financial protection and that the LPP offers a new safety net, ensuring that when the next storm comes, affected individuals will have immediate resources to replant, repair, restock, and rebuild.

‘Hurricane Melissa reminded us that disasters do not only damage homes – they disrupt lives and livelihoods. The Livelihood Protection Policy is about restoring dignity and resilience, giving low income and vulnerable groups across the Caribbean the means to recover and bounce back faster,’ said CCRIF chief executive officer, Isaac Anthony,

‘By embedding the LPP within national disaster risk resilience frameworks, the region is positioning itself as a global leader in livelihood focused climate risk financing. This launch represents a critical step toward scalable, shock responsive social protection that can be replicated across the Caribbean and beyond,’ he added.

The CCRIF, which has so far made made two payouts to Jamaica totaling US$91.9 million following the passage of the category 5 storm on October 28, said some of these groups include small farmers, fisherfolk, market, food and craft vendors, seasonal tourism workers, day labourers, amateur entertainers and micro- and agri-entrepreneurs among others.

‘By providing fast cash payouts within 14 days of extreme rainfall or wind events, the LPP is designed to empower these groups and households to recover quickly, avoid falling into poverty, and protecting their futures.’

The CCRIF said that the earlier payments to the Jamaica government was made under its tropical cyclone and excess rainfall policies, within 14 days of the hurricane, and that the launch of the LPP now extends this protection directly to households and low-income groups, ensuring that resilience is built not only at the national level but also at the community level.

‘Together, CCRIF’s government/sovereign policies and the LPP form a comprehensive disaster risk financing framework, that would enable Jamaica to respond faster and more equitably to future climate shocks.’

The CCRIF said that the LPP was first piloted under the Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean (CRAIC) project, implemented since 2011 in collaboration with the ILO’s Impact Insurance Facility, with financial support from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German government.

‘The CRAIC Project piloted, tested, and refined the LPP across five Caribbean countries, ensuring that the product reflects the realities of low income and vulnerable groups and lessons learned from addressing early skepticism around insurance.

‘This collaborative effort has laid the foundation for scaling-up microinsurance in the Caribbean region, embedding the LPP within broader resilience and social protection strategies.’

The CCRIF said that in Jamaica, the LPP will initially be sold through Guardian General Insurance Jamaica Limited, ensuring trusted local distribution and immediate accessibility.

‘Beyond Jamaica, the LPP will also be available in 2026 in Belize, Grenada, and St. Lucia, extending its benefits to vulnerable communities across the wider Caribbean. Guardian General will work with a range of distributors and aggregators, including credit unions and cooperatives, to make the LPP easily accessible.’

CCRIF said that with the launch of CCRIF’s new microinsurance facility in partnership with Celsius Pro and its subsidiary, Global Parametrics, in June of this year, multiple insurers across the Caribbean and Central America will be able to distribute the LPP and other inclusive insurance products.

Scoreboard of the second day of the first Test between New Zealand and West Indies here on Tuesday.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings

(overnight 231 for nine)

*Tom Latham c Imlach b Greaves 24

Devon Conway c Greavess b Roach 0

Kane Williamson c Athanaze b Greaves 52

Rachin Ravindra b Seales 3

Will Young c Graeves b Layne 14

+Tom Blundell b Shields 29

Michael Bracewell c Chanderpaul b Shields 47

Nathan Smith c Campbell b Chase 23

Zak Foulkes c +Imlach b Seales 4

Matt Henry c Seales b Roach 8

Jacob Duffy not out 4

Extras (b 4, lb7, nb 6, w6) 23

TOTAL (all out; 70.3 overs) 231

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-94, 3-95, 4-103, 5-120, 6-148, 7-200, 8-215, 9-227, 10-231.

Bowling: Roach 17-6-47-2, Seales 15.3-3-44-2, Layne 11-1-47-1, Shields 9-2-34-2, Greaves 10-3-35-2, Chase 8-2-13-1.

WEST INDIES 1st innings

John Campbell c Young b Foulkes 1

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Conway b Foulkes 52

Alick Athanaze b Henry 4

Shai Hope c Latham b Duffy 56

*Roston Chase c Latham b Henry 0

Justin Greaves c Latham b Henry 0

+Tevin Imlach c Latham b Duffy 14

Kemar Roach not out 10

Johann Layne c and b Duffy 0

Jayden Seales b Duffy 2

Ojay Shields b Duffy 0

Extras (b10, lb6, nb7, w5) 28

TOTAL (all out; 75.4 overs) 167

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-10, 3-100, 4-106, 5-106, 6-140, 7-157, 8-157, 9-167, 10-167.

Bowling: Henry 22-7-43-3, Foulkes 18-7-32-2, Smith 15-6-39-0, Duffy 17.4-7-34-5, Bracewell 2-1-3-0, Ravindra 1-1-0-0.

NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings

*Tom Latham not out 14

Devon Conway not out 15

Extras (b2, w1) 3

TOTAL (without loss; seven overs) 32

Yet to bat: Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

Bowling: Roach 3-0-13-0, Seales 2-0-8-0, Shields 1-0-5-0, Chase 1-0-4-0.

Toss: West Indies elected to field.

Position: New Zealand lead by 96 runs in their second innings with three days remaining.

Umpires: Alex Wharf, Paul Reiffel.

TV Umpire: Allahuddien Paleker.

Reserve Umpire: Kim Cotton.

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath.

New Zealand lead West Indies by 297 runs after reaching 233 for two at tea on the third day of the first Test here at Hagley Oval on Wednesday.

NEW ZEALAND 231 and 233-2 in 60 overs (Tom Latham 100 not out, Rachin Ravindra 70 not out, Devin Conway 37).

WEST INDIES 167.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr Kishore Shallow will make a decision by this weekend on whether he will step down from the position.

Dr Shallow, 41, secured a landmark victory in the North Leeward constituency in last Thursday’s general elections in St Vincent and the Grenadines as a candidate for the New Democratic Party (NDP).

Led by Godwin Friday the NDP crushed the Unity Labor Party (ULP) by winning 14 of the 15 seats.

Dr Kishore Shallow

Dr Shallow, who was re-elected to his second term of CWI president in May 2025, said any decision regarding his tenure would be announced in the next three days.

He said it would be influenced by whether he was given a portfolio by the Prime Minister in his new Cabinet.

Dr Shallow said if he was given a portfolio which required him to invest much of his time, he would step down from his position at CWI.

‘You know there’s actually no conflict; there’s the potential to serve both.

‘Again, based on the portfolio that I am given.if I can manage both I will proceed, if not then I will have to resign,’ Dr Shallow said.

‘But we will see how it goes. We will see within a matter of 72 hours or so, then a decision will be made.’

The state-owned national carrier, Caribbean Airlines (CAL) says it will discontinue services on several regional routes as part of its ongoing network optimization programme aimed at enhancing schedule reliability, maintain competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability.

‘These changes form a critical part of our plan to deliver reliable service while managing our resources responsibly. Our customers remain our priority and these adjustments ensure we continue to provide strong regional connectivity, supported by a sustainable and competitive operational model,’ said acting chief executive officer, Nirmala Ramai.

CAL said effective January 10, next year, the airline will discontinue services on its Tortola, British Virgin islands (BVI) and San Juan, Puerto Rico routes following comprehensive evaluations of route performance and resource deployment.

It said that customers with confirmed bookings to or from Tortola and Puerto Rico after that date are being contacted directly and will receive full refunds where applicable.

CAL said that as part of this optimization programme, it will also restructure its Barbados hub from February 2026.

It is assuring customers that aircraft and crew positioned in Barbados will transition to operate from Trinidad, to, from and beyond Barbados and that they will continue to experience seamless connectivity across the Northern and Eastern Caribbean with a refined flight schedule.

Caribbean Airlines said it remains committed to working with stakeholders to maintain connectivity throughout its network, thanking customers ‘for their understanding and remains committed to delivering dependable service and a strengthened travel experience across its network’.

A director at the state-owned Food and Agriculture Industries (FAI) has been remanded into custody on suspicion of financial malfeasance, a few weeks after he and the general manager, were suspended for serious mismanagement.

FAI was at one time, the country’s sole banana exporter, operating large-scale banana plantations and while its primary function was to produce and export bananas, it also has a unique role in the regional market, though it has faced challenges like disease and competition.

The company has recently been taken over by the state and has claims against its former management due to alleged mismanagement.

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister, Mike Noersalim speaking during the meeting on Tuesday

An investigation by the Quick Scan Team of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (LVV) shows that the baking company has debt totalling US$22 million and that the government as a shareholder, has over the past five years, been subsidising the state-owned company by nearly SRD 200 million (Suriname dollar=US$0.02 cents)

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister, Mike Noersalim, Tuesday held a meeting with stakeholders telling them ‘there is a very urgent situation at FAI’ and that the crisis did not happen overnight.

Noersalim said that upon taking office, the government indicated it would investigate state-owned enterprises and during the investigation into FAI, financial malpractice was discovered, likely involving violations of anti-corruption law and harm to the state.

He told the meeting that in principle, state-owned enterprises with good management do not require subsidies, although in practice this appears to be different.

He said that the review point to deeper problems, noting for example, exports have been delayed because a transport company suspended its partnership due to unpaid invoices. Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Noersalim said that everything is being done to avoid losing the export markets of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

He said that production has declined sharply, currently at around 200 hectares, far below the breakeven point of 350 hectares required for profitable exports, noting that among the cases for the decline include an outdated irrigation system, the sale of unseaworthy containers and other company property at remarkably low prices, as well as salary increases implemented without the usual Supervisory Board approval.

As a result, Noersalim said that strict measures are necessary.

‘If we are faced with a debt of US$8.5 million to Hakrinbank and we are unable to repay it, then we cannot continue in this way,’ he said, adding that he has already consulted with the bank and his counterpart from Finance to find solutions.

‘This is a high priority for the government,’ he said.

The meeting also agreed to jointly explore all options to reduce the debt, increase production, and restore the company to a healthy, transparent, and profitable operation.

New Zealand lead West Indies by 164 runs after reaching 100 for two at lunch on the third day of the first Test here at Hagley Oval on Wednesday.

NEW ZEALAND 231 and 100-2 in 32.5 overs (Tom Latham 40 not out, Devin Conway 37).

WEST INDIES 167.

New Zealand lead West Indies by 96 runs after reaching 32 without loss in their second innings at the close of play on the second day of the opening Test here at Hagley Oval on Tuesday.

NEW ZEALAND 231 in 70.3 overs (Kane Williamson 52, Michael Bracewell 47, Tom Blundell 29, Tom Latham 24, Nathan Smith 23, Will Young 14; Ojay Shields 2-34, Justin Greaves 2-35, Jayden Seales 2-44, Kemar Roach 2-47) and 32-0 in seven overs (Devon Conway 15 not out, Tom Latham 14 not out).

WEST INDIES 167 in 75.4 overs (Shai Hope 56, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 52, Tevin Imlach 14, Kemar Roach 10 not out; Jacob Duffy 5-34, Matt Henry 3-43, Zak Foulkes 2-32).