Category: CANA News

The Guyana government has warned that motorists who fail to comply with new tint regulations will face a fine of GUY$75,000 (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents).

Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said that the measure is part of the efforts to standardise the use of tinted windows on motor vehicles, allowing all owners to apply 35 per cent tint on side windows and 70 per cent tint on front windscreens.

‘On my first day, I was greeted with a large stack of tint wavers and also with the request or people reaching out asking what the process is.Clearly, this confusion lends itself to lots of unscrupulous persons manipulating the system for their own benefit, taking advantage of citizens who are unclear in how to access this waiver,’ Walrond said, adding that this will eliminate the longstanding tint waiver system and ease public frustration while ensuring fairness and transparency.

‘We drafted the amendment based on the policy that everyone should have access to a tinted vehicle. Removing the whole burden on the system that people have to seek to get a waiver, and hence making the process transparent and predictable,’ Walrond said.

She said before drafting the amendment, there had been consultation with the Guyana Police Force (GPF), examining longstanding restrictions, finding no evidence linking tinted vehicles to increased criminal activity.

‘There was no basis to continue withholding permission for citizens to have tint, and the public clearly expressed they wanted this protection,’ she said, noting that UV exposure, climate considerations and strong public sentiment all supported easing the rules.

The amended legislation will be taken to Parliament soon and will outline compliance measures, exemption categories and enforcement procedures.

In a rematch of last season’s final, the Desert Vipers ended a six-match losing streak against the Dubai Capitals, clinching a four-wicket victory in the DP World ILT20 season four opener here on Tuesday.

While the Vipers’ triumph was built on a collective bowling effort and a solid half-century from Andries Gous, the Capitals’ innings was punctuated by a blistering, albeit brief, display of power hitting from West Indian Rovman Powell.

After being put in to bat, the defending champions found themselves in deep trouble at 32-3.

It was here that Powell ignited the innings with a trademark explosive counter-attack.

Initially cautious, the big-hitter switched gears to smash 39 runs off just 22 deliveries, single-handedly resuscitating the Capitals’ hopes.

His assault included a brutal 18-run over off Khuzaima Tanveer, where he showcased the clean striking that makes him a global T20 threat.

His dismissal in the 15th over at 101-6, however, halted the Capitals’ momentum at a critical juncture.

The Vipers’ bowling unit, led by Noor Ahmad 2-25, David Payne 2-26, and Khuzaima Tanveer 2-35, effectively restricted the Capitals to 150-8.

Fellow West Indian Shimron Hetmyer was unable to replicate Powell’s heroics. Coming in at a tense stage of the Vipers’ chase, the left-hander managed only 7 off 6 balls before falling to Scott Currie, a wicket that gave the Capitals a fleeting glimpse of a comeback.

Opener Andries Gous, however, anchored the chase with a fluent 58 off 36 balls. Despite late wickets, composed finishes from Dan Lawrence 19 and Tanveer 12 saw the Vipers home with an over to spare at 151 for six, securing their record 21st win in the competition’s history.

Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre will be sworn in as head of the government for a second consecutive five year term on Friday, after his ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) won Monday’s general election by an overwhelming majority.

Former St. Vincent and the Grenadines prime minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said he had accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Pierre to attend the swearing in ceremony.

‘This morning, I spoke with my brother and comrade, Hon. Philip J. Pierre. Congratulations on this fantastic victory to the SLP and people of St Lucia,’ Gonsalves, 79, wrote on his Facebook page, adding ‘in conversation, Philip extended an invitation, which I’ve accepted, to be at his swearing in ceremony on Friday December 5th. Labour stays together’.

Gonsalves had hoped to have led his Unity Labour Party (ULP) to an unprecedented sixth consecutive victory at the polls, but lost by a 14-1 margin to the New Development Party (NDP) in the November 27 poll.

Pierre guided his SLP to a 14-1 victory over the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) in Monday’s poll, with the UWP’s leader, Allen Chastanet, being the only winner of the party.

The other two seats in the 17-member Parliament, have been won by ‘independent’ candidates, former prime minister Stephenson King and former government minister, Richard Frederick, both of whom are expected to form part of the new cabinet as had been the case in 2021, when Pierre led the SLP to victory by a 13-1 margin.

Pierre has said that he expects to name the new cabinet by next week, adding ‘we have to do a few things, we have to get the VAT (value added tax) free day going and I want to tell the public servants that they will get their backpay as promised’.

Meanwhile, the St. Lucia based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has extended ‘warmest congratulations’ to Pierre saying it also wanted to ‘commend the people of St. Lucia for exercising their democratic right through a peaceful and orderly electoral process, demonstrating once again the strength of democratic institutions in the region.

‘Prime Minister Pierre continues a tradition of dedicated leadership in St. Lucia, and his renewed mandate reflects the confidence of the electorate in his vision for the country’s development and progress.’

The OECS Commission said that under Prime Minister Pierre’s continued stewardship, the sub-regional grouping is looking ‘forward to deepening cooperation grounded in our shared commitment to regional integration, sustainable development, resilience building, and good governance.

‘The Commission stands ready to work closely with his administration to advance policies and initiatives that will strengthen St. Lucia and contribute to the collective advancement of the Eastern Caribbean,’ it said, extending ‘appreciation to all candidates and stakeholders who participated in the electoral process and contributed to the peaceful expression of the people’s will’.

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

New Zealand reached 231 for nine at stumps against the West Indies on the opening day of the first Test here at Hagley Oval on Monday.

NEW ZEALAND 231-9 in 70 overs (Kane Williamson 52, Michael Bracewell 47, Tom Blundell 29, Tom Latham 24, Nathan Smith 23; Ojay Shields 2-34, Justin Greaves 2-35, Kemar Roach 2-47).

The chief personnel officer (CPO), Dr. Dayrl Dindial, says he met Tuesday with the executive of the Public Service Association (PSA) to formally sign the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a 10 per cent increase in salaries and allowances for the period 2014-2019.

The CPO said that the MOA also includes the consolidation of the cost f living allowance for each triennium.

Dindial described the negotiations with the PSA as ‘memorable’ commending all parties for their perseverance throughout the process.

The PSO said that the signed agreement also includes adjustments to several categories of allowances, including meal allowance, travelling, house and transfer allowances as well as motor vehicle loan and the acquisition of light good vehicles for eligible officers within the Civil Service and Statutory authorities among other measures.

The 10 per cent salary increase had become a major topic during the campaign for the April 28 general election, when senior PSA official took to the platform of the United National Congress (UNC) in support of the then opposition party.

Dindial said he had agreed to continue to hold discussions with the PSA to determine the methods and timeliness for the settlement of the outstanding allowances and payment of arrears of salaries.

He appealed to all public officers to recommit to improving ‘the way we engage and serve the public’ adding ‘our citizens deserve nothing less’.

Meanwhile, Labour Minister, Leroy Baptiste, a former PSA president, said several other trade unions will have to live with the consequences of agreements they broker at the bargaining table amid reports that they were seeking to receive the 10 per cent offered to the PSA.

Baptiste said the PSA knew it was taking a gamble on the UNC and it has paid off, as he defended the Minister in the Ministry of Public Utilities Clyde Elder, anther trade unionist, who has come under attack for saying trade unions that accepted a four per cent wage increase from the then People’s National Movement (PNM) government of prime minister Dr. Keith Rowley, cannot now expect the same 10 per cent increase that the PSA is receiving.

‘I think you must be aware that the PSA would have been one of the unions that stood their ground and dealt with severe consequences,’ Baptiste said, adding ‘the members remain, up to now in 2025, with their 2013 salaries.

‘They negotiated, they made a decision and the decision had consequences. I could even go as far to say that the PSA would have spent a lot of money behind a decision going to court and all those type of things.’

Baptiste said unions that accepted the four per cent wage hike would also have to face the consequences of their decision.

‘When you make decisions there are consequences one way or the next. There were those who accepted it and therefore their members have more updated salaries. That is what negotiations are about – you gamble, you take risk, you make a decision and the consequences follow naturally.’

Baptiste said that the government has no legal obligation to renegotiate with other unions, saying ‘that will be entirely up to the Minister of Finance.

‘There is no legal basis for doing so. If you have the benchmark that pre-supposes that you have an outstanding negotiation and you are now coming to the table, if you have a signed agreement, you have a signed agreement.’

The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) president Crystal Ashe, while congratulating the PSA on the 10 per cent agreement, disagreed with Elder’s statement.

‘We are a non-political association. We don’t align ourselves politically with any party, but Mr Elder would have alluded to the fact that because the PSA took on such a great risk aligning themselves with a particular political party, it seems they are reaping the benefits of that now.

‘That should not be the basis of which any union or any association should be rewarded. At the end of the day we are all seeking the best for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. It should be in the interest of any government to ensure that citizens are well taken care of.

He described Elder’s statements as ‘unfortunate,’ especially given his background in trade unionism.

Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) grouping, Andrew Holness, says he looks forward to ‘continued collaboration’ with Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre after his St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) was returned to office with a convincing majority following Monday’s general election.

‘Jamaica remains committed to strengthening our partnership as we work together on our shared regional priorities. I look forward to continued collaboration and deeper cooperation within CARICOM, said Holness, who is also the Prime Minister of Jamaica.

According to the preliminary results, Pierre, who called the general election nearly a year of the constitutional deadline, guided the SLP to a 14-1 victory at the polls, increasing the 13-2 position the party enjoyed in the 2021 general election.

In addition, the two ‘independent’ candidates – Stephenson King and Richard Frederick- who were part of the previous administration also retained their seats. The lone successful candidate for the opposition United Workers Party (UWP) was its leader, and former prime minister Allen Chastanet.

Holness extended ‘congratulations’ to Pierre and to the people of St. Lucia.

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit extended congratulations ‘to my friend and colleague’ and the SLP on their ‘overwhelming victory at the polls.

‘This renewed mandate is a clear and unambiguous vote of confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Pierre and his development plans for St. Lucia. I embrace the opportunity to continue working with the Government and people of St. Lucia to further the progress of our nations, and strengthen regional unity,’ he added.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar extended congratulations to Pierre saying ‘the people of St. Lucia have spoken.

‘I wish Prime Minister Pierre and his government all the best in the future. May God continue to richly bless the people of St Lucia,’ she added.

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew said that the people of St. Lucia ‘have once again spoken clearly through a peaceful and democratic process, reaffirming their confidence in his leadership and in the direction the St. Lucia Labour Party has set.

‘As they begin this new mandate, I look forward to continued collaboration between St. Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia, especially as we work together within CARICOM and the OECS, to strengthen regional development, economic resilience, and opportunities for our people.

‘Democracy remains the cornerstone of our Caribbean family, and today St. Lucia has exemplified that once more,’ Prime Minister Drew added.

Pierre has said he intends to be sworn in as Prime Minister for a second occasion later this week and the Cabinet will be known by next week.

Any doubt about Jamaica’s arrival as a serious force in the FIBA Americas Qualifiers was emphatically erased here Monday night.

Two days after a miraculous buzzer-beater, the ‘JamRockerz’ authored a complete, commanding 97-92 victory over Puerto Rico at a stunned Coliseo Roberto Clemente, completing a stunning road sweep and announcing themselves as genuine contenders for the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

Forced to play both Group B games in hostile territory due to Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica, with a record of 2-0, proved Friday’s 92-90 thriller was no accident.

They have now won their first two World Cup Qualifying games ever and sit alone at the top of the group standings.

Jamaica seized control with a decisive 11-2 run in the second quarter, ignited by back-to-back Romaine Thomas three-pointers, to build a 14-point lead.

They would extend that advantage to 20 in the second half, weathering a frantic but ultimately futile late surge from Puerto Rico that cut the deficit to just three in the final minute.

The victory was a showcase of adaptability. After dominating the paint on Friday, Jamaica’s offence rained fire from deep, shooting a blistering 13-for-27 (48.2%) from three-point range.

They supplemented that with a near-perfect 18-for-21 performance from the free-throw line and a relentless effort on the glass, grabbing 16 offensive rebounds to win the second-chance points battle 20-13.

Centre Kofi Cockburn was a pillar of consistency, posting a dominant 15-point, 12-rebound double-double with 5 assists. Chase Audige led all scorers with 20 points, while Romaine Thomas had 18 points and Tyran De Lattibeaudiere 15, providing crucial offensive support.

For Puerto Rico, the loss marks a historic low, as they drop both games of a qualifying window for the first time. Despite a game-high 26 efficiency rating from Alexander Morales, 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 18 points from Stephen Thompson Jr., the team was undone by 21 costly turnovers.

Jamaica’s Cinderella story continues. Having already made history, they now return home with a perfect record and the growing belief that a World Cup berth is within their grasp.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

CASTRIES- Continued coverage of the general elections in which the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party (SLP) was returned to office with an increased majority.

PORT AU PRINCE – Haiti moved towards holding presidential elections since 2016, after the country’s transitional government adopted the long-awaited electoral law that political commentators say will set in motion the process for restoring democratic rule in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

ST. GEORGE’S – Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall says Grenada’s economic performance this year is ‘nothing short of remarkable’ estimating that real gross domestic product (GDP) will reach 6.2 per cent.

NASSAU – The Bahamas economy maintained its ‘moderated pace of growth’ in October, relative to the same period last year, with economic indicators trending closer to their medium-term potential, the Central Bank of the Bahamas (CBB) has reported.

PARAMARIBO -King Willem-Alexander Monday night called on Suriname to forgive the Netherlands for its history of slavery in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

SPORTS:

CHRISTCHURCH – A defiant 52-run partnership between Michael Bracewell and Nathan Smith rescued New Zealand from a mid-innings collapse, steering the hosts to 231 for 9 on a rain-ravaged and dramatic first day of the first Test against the West Indies here Tuesday.

Police have launched an investigation into the circulation of a video on social media describing the contents as ‘absolutely unacceptable’.

The Ministry of Ecclesiastical and Faith-Based Affairs, in collaboration with the St. Kitts Evangelical Association, the Christian Council, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, have also ‘strongly condemn’ the behaviour depicted in the video.

The police said that its Special Victims Unit has opened an ‘immediate investigation’ into the matter after earlier expressing its ‘outrage’ at the contents. The law enforcement authorities are urging persons with ‘any information, PLEASE come forward’.

In the video, several women who are almost naked are seen dancing in a vulgar manner at the Basseterre Ferry Terminal.

In their statement, the faith based organisations said that the actions depicted in the video ‘have no place in our public spaces and do not reflect the moral and spiritual values of St. Kitts and Nevis

‘As a nation rooted in Christian principles, we are called to uphold decency, self-respect, and respect for others. Public conduct should honor God, protect our children, and preserve the dignity of our communities,’ they said, adding ‘we therefore urge all citizens to conduct themselves responsibly and, in a manner, befitting our faith-based heritage’.

The police in a separate statement warned that they would be adopting a zero-tolerance approach to public indecency throughout the Christmas-Carnival season.

They warned that ‘behaviour of this nature is not only inappropriate, but illegal’ and that ‘the law is explicit, and enforcement will be strict’.

According to the police, under the Small Charges Act any person, ‘who behaves in an indecent manner in a public place, shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month’.

The police reiterated that there are other acts under the legislation that ‘are arrestable and jailable offences, and no exemption or excuse exists for such behaviour committed during festivities, celebrations, or entertainment events’.

‘As the Federation enters the Christmas and Carnival period, the Police Force reiterates its operational stance for the season ‘Zer0 Tolerance. Zer0 Excuse

‘Any acts of indecency, lewd exposure, disorderly conduct, and behaviour that violates the Small Charges Act (2017) or any other law will attract immediate police intervention. The public is therefore strongly urged to conduct themselves appropriately in all public spaces, including entertainment venues, streets, and Carnival activities,’ the police warned.

-King Willem-Alexander Monday night called on Suriname to forgive the Netherlands for its history of slavery in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

‘Your history bears the stigma of slavery in the name of the Dutch state. The Dutch government has apologised for this, and I personally have added the request for forgiveness for the lack of action against this crime against humanity by the stadtholders and kings of the House of Orange-Nassau,’ said Willem-Alexander.

King Willem-Alexander addressing the state banquet on Monday night

In 2023, King Willem-Alexander first made a public apology regarding his country’s involvement in the Atlantic slave trade and he has not shied away from making public comments on the issue since then.

Numerous Surinamese and Dutch-Afro-Surinamese organizations have consistently demanded reparations from the Netherlands for its historical role in slavery. These groups argue that the official apologies offered by the Dutch government are insufficient without tangible financial and social compensation.

‘My parents knew this country before I was born,’ he told the state banquet held in his honour, recalling the stories he heard as a child.

‘Since then a lot of water has flowed through the Suriname River,’ he said, adding that his personal request, as king, is for the forgiveness for the Dutch slavery past in Suriname.

‘I would like to pay tribute here to Suriname’s resilience and resistance throughout the centuries. To the courageous Maroons who fiercely defended their self-won freedom from their hideouts in the forest. To a resistance hero like Boni, who, with his great ingenuity and moral authority, motivated people to fight for a decent existence.’

The King, who is accompanied by his wife, Queen Queen Máxima and a broadly composed Dutch business delegation, on the three-day state visit, put aside his prepared speech as he focused on improving the future relationship between the two countries.

‘In a world where conflicts are intensifying and polarisation is undermining societies, Suriname is a beacon of humanity,’ he said, adding this harmony, despite the challenges, serves as an example for other countries.

‘The Netherlands wants nothing more than to continue along this path. Makandra. Working together,’ he said, highlighting the strength of Suriname’s youth, the priceless value of the rainforest, a country that absorbs more CO2 than it emits, and the possibilities for responsible use of natural resources.

The head of state was also appreciative of the rule of law in Suriname, adding that a strong, independent judiciary deserves recognition. He said that the Dutch ambassador will lay a wreath at the monument to the victims of the December Murders during the commemoration ceremonies on December 8.

At the end of his speech, the king quoted the poet Dobru and asked those present to raise their glasses ‘to the Republic of Suriname, to the health of the president, and to the friendship between Suriname and the Netherlands’.