Category: CANA News

The chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine held talks on Tuesday with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and members of her cabinet reaffirming the ‘strong partnership’ between the two countries, discussing also ‘shared priorities for regional security and stability’.

The US Embassy had announced that the visit of Caine would ‘focus on the two nations’ strong bi-lateral relationship, strengthening regional stability, and regional unity on the vital importance of countering illicit trafficking and transnational criminal organizations’.

Joint Staff spokesperson, Joseph Holstead, in a statement following the discussions said that Caine and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar exchanged ‘views on challenges affecting the Caribbean region, including the destabilizing effects of illicit narcotics, arms, and human trafficking, and transnational criminal organization activities’

He said that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff ’emphasized that close cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago directly contributes to safeguarding regional security.

‘General Caine expressed appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s continued leadership and partnership in advancing mutual objectives and reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to working closely with Trinidad and Tobago to address shared threats and deepen collaboration across the Caribbean,’ the spokesman added.

In a statement posted on X, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar described the talks as ‘excellent’ saying that both Trinidad and Tobago and the North American country ‘continue to share a strong and enduring partnership’.

Caine’s visit here comes as the United States President Donald Trump has ramped up its military presence in the Caribbean Sea ordering an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of his effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.

A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser have also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the mission. In addition, the US largest carrier, the Gerald Forde has joined the build-up

But the United States military has been bombing vessels in the international waters claiming that the occupants were drug traffickers without offering any evidence of such activity.

The United Nations UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also strongly condemned the airstrikes carried out by the United States against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Volker Trk said in a statement that the strikes ‘violate international human rights law’, demanding that they be stopped immediately.

On Tuesday, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, called on Venezuela and the United States not to use warfare as means of settling their differences, insisting that the hemisphere must remain a zone of peace.

‘I hope that both countries,Venezuela and the United States .restrain themselves and make sure whatever other path can be found diplomatically,negotiations to solve their problems at a different level that should be..a priority.

‘We don’t want any war in our hemisphere. Peace in the end is what everybody in this hemipshere wants. Nobody gains from a war. So I think if we can achieve that and maintain at the same time this unity going forward on that consensus based agenda we possibly will end up after five or 10 years in a better environment.and prosperity in the Americas,’ he added.

Last month, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that regional leaders had discussed several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states.

It said that the position at that meeting was not endorsed by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro has accused Washington of seeking a regime change in his country with its naval deployment in the Caribbean, saying ‘they are seeking a regime change through military threat’.

He has also accused Persad-Bissessar os allowing Trinidad and Tobago to be used in carrying out the US plans.

Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles, is warning that plans by the Trinidad and Tobago government to ‘crack down’ on social media bloggers, represent an ‘alarming attempt to intimidate independent voices and stifle public scrutiny’.

Homeland Security Minister, Roger Alexander said last weekend that the Kamla Persad Bissessar-led government is examining legal options to curb what he described as the misuse of social media and the spread of misinformation that threatens national safety and security.

Alexander said that discussions are under way on ‘how we can approach (Attorney General John Jeremie) to see what is the best solution we have’ adding that the aim is to craft ‘a legal approach against that behaviour,’ including potential new laws ‘to limit persons’ continuous misuse of social media and the spread of misinformation’.

Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles

He said that the measures would target harmful conduct and not legitimate public expression.

But in a statement, Beckles said that such an act ‘has no place in a society committed to transparency and accountability.

‘In today’s communications landscape, Bloggers, digital commentators, and online journalists play a crucial role in exposing state wrongdoing, amplifying marginalized perspectives, and keeping citizens informed especially against state over-reach.

‘Today, Ministers in this Government have invoked Standing Orders of the Parliament to evade scrutiny and account to the citizens through legitimate channels like our Parliament. To fill this vacuum, many socially conscious citizens keep the public updated with critical information on the functioning of our government and holding the Government accountable.’

Beckles said that the threats ‘to muzzle dissenting voices on the basis of threats to our national security is to attack the very foundation of a free and open society.

‘It is deeply troubling that rather than addressing legitimate concerns raised by the public, the Minister has chosen to target the messengers by calling on foreign States to take action against them or invoking emergency power under the current State of Emergency to incarcerate citizens. ‘

Beckles said that it is ‘reprehensible’ that the government ‘is seeking to weaponize the issue of visas and the residency status of Trinbagonians overseas as a means of suppressing public discontent and for the muting of questions and lawful expression’.

She said that the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) is reminding citizens ‘that this latest development is a continuation of a very dangerous pattern of conduct by this Government that should now cause every right-thinking citizen to be repulsed’.

She said that this latest attack on the country’s democracy comes after thousands of daily paid workers had been fired by the government , the cancellation of the Independence celebrations ‘under the guise of ‘threats to public officials’ and ‘the declaration and extension of a State of Emergency in Trinidad and Tobago under the guise of ‘threats to certain public officials’ as well as ‘the crackdown on carnival activities under the guise of ‘noise pollution’:

‘We strongly condemn this attempt to weaponize State power against private citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Any government that fears criticism, has abandoned its commitment to democratic values.

‘We call on the Minister to immediately retract these threats, affirm respect for free expression, and focus instead on the real issues facing the nation-issues which cannot be solved by silencing critics. The misuse of social media by anyone, can be adequately prosecuted under our criminal and civil laws,’ said Beckles.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader is questioning the arrival here later on Tuesday of the chairman of the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine.

The US Embassy said that Caine will meet with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar and that the ‘visit will focus on the two nations’ strong bi-lateral relationship, strengthening regional stability, and regional unity on the vital importance of countering illicit trafficking and transnational criminal organizations’.

Caine is the 22nd chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the US’s highest-ranking military officer, and the principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council.

Ina statement, Beckles said Trinidad and Tobago citizens ‘are deeply concerned that this sudden high-level U.S. military visit, coming at a time when the Prime Minister refuses to answer even the most basic questions on national security, raises far more questions than answers.

‘A government that withholds critical information from its own people, while three clueless Ministers of National Security remain silent and directionless, is operating less like a democracy and more like a dictatorship.

‘The nation demands full transparency now, because Trinidad and Tobago will not accept secrecy, distraction, or a Prime Minister in hiding,’ she added.

Caine’s visit here comes as the United States President Donald Trump has ramped up its military presence in the Caribbean Sea ordering an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of his effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.

A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser have also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the mission. In addition, the US largest carrier, the Gerald Forde has joined the build-up

But the United States military has been bombing vessels in the international waters claiming that the occupants were drug traffickers without offering any evidence of such activity.

The United Nations UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also strongly condemned the airstrikes carried out by the United States against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Volker Trk said in a statement that the strikes ‘violate international human rights law’, demanding that they be stopped immediately.

Last month, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that regional leaders had discussed several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states.

It said that the position at that meeting was not endorsed by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Bahamas government Tuesday welcomed the latest unemployment report indicating that more Bahamians are finding work and that the local economy is continuing to move in a positive direction.

The Bahamas National Statistical Institute said unemployment has declined to 9.3 per cent from 10.8 per cent and that 3,455 more people were working between April and June. In total, 218,620 Bahamians now have jobs almost 4,000 more than the last quarter.

Many of these new jobs came from construction, retail, hospitality, and community services. ‘This is the kind of growth people see every day when new buildings go up, hotels expand, and businesses get busier,’ a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister stated, adding that the report also shows ‘the number of people who had given up looking for work has fallen by 64 per cent.

‘More Bahamians feel hopeful again and are confident enough to start job searching,’ the statement said, adding that ‘this good news follows other positive signs about our economy. International credit agencies have improved their outlook for The Bahamas, large investments are happening across the islands, and major upgrades to airports, roads, and utilities are creating even more job opportunities’.

The Phillip Davis government said that across the country, it is pushing ahead with programmes focused on training, upskilling, small business support, and improvements to family island infrastructure.

‘These efforts are helping people find work and creating pathways for Bahamians to build a better future,’ the statement said, noting that ‘while today’s numbers are encouraging, the Government understands that many families are still facing challenges’ and that it remains ‘committed to helping Bahamians through cost-of-living pressures and making sure opportunity reaches every island and every community’.

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, Tuesday called on Venezuela and the United States to use other means than warfare as means of settling their differences, insisting that the hemisphere must remain a zone of peace.

‘I hope that both countries, Venezuela and the United States .restrain themselves and make sure whatever other path can be found diplomatically, negotiations to solve their problems at a different level that should be.a priority.

‘We don’t want any war in our hemisphere. Peace in the end is what everybody in this hemisphere wants. Nobody gains from a war. So I think if we can achieve that and maintain at the same time this unity going forward on that consensus based agenda we possibly will end up after five or 10 years in a better environment.and prosperity in the Americas.

‘That is all the people of the Americas want, in every single country,’ Ramdin said during a wide ranging ‘Dialogue for the Americas: Conversation with OAS Secretary General,’ interview with the Trinidad-based journalist, Wesley Gibbings.

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, Tuesday called on Venezuela and the United States to use other means than warfare to settle their differences, insisting that the hemisphere must remain a zone of peace.

‘I hope that both countries, Venezuela and the United States .restrain themselves and make sure whatever other path can be found diplomatically, negotiations to solve their problems at a different level that should be.a priority.

‘We don’t want any war in our hemisphere. Peace in the end is what everybody in this hemisphere wants. Nobody gains from a war. So I think if we can achieve that and maintain at the same time this unity going forward on that consensus based agenda we possibly will end up after five or 10 years in a better environment.and prosperity in the Americas.

‘That is all the people of the Americas want, in every single country,’ Ramdin said during a wide ranging ‘Dialogue for the Americas: Conversation with OAS Secretary General,’ discussion with the Trinidad-based journalist, Wesley Gibbings.

United States President Donald Trump has ramped up his country’s military presence in the Caribbean Sea ordering an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of his effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.

A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser have also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the mission. In addition, the US largest carrier, the Gerald Forde has joined the build-up

But the United States military has been bombing vessels in international waters claiming that the occupants were drug traffickers without offering any evidence of such activity. Venezuela regards the US presence as a means to removing the Nicolas Maduro administration from office with Caracas warning that it would not allow such an event to occur.

The United Nations UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also strongly condemned the airstrikes carried out by the United States against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Volker Trk said in a statement that the strikes ‘violate international human rights law’, demanding that they be stopped immediately.

Last month, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that regional leaders had discussed several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states.

It said that the position at that meeting was not endorsed by the government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Ramdin, a former foreign affairs minister of Suriname, who took up the position of OAS Secretary General on May 26 this year, said that when it comes to the fight against trans-national crime , it is something he believes no country will object to.

‘Everybody is in favour of fighting trans-national organised crime. Trans-national organised crime has a devastating impact in each country, in our region, the whole hemisphere,’ he aid, adding that the ‘objective of the goal to fight it, I have not heard any country saying it is not a good thing to do.

‘I think it is much more in the method in the implementation of that goal, the way it is being done, and I made the point that we must do these things, carrying these attacks out in the context of international law and also human rights, but with also justifiable evidence.’

Ramdin said that while ‘this matter’ had not been discussed within the OAS ‘for a long time,’ it was only about 10 days ago that Colombia raised the issue in the context of organised crime and ‘how we are going to battle that.

‘I am still following the debate within the OAS on how they want to go about this,’ he said, adding that what he did mention, and he intends to raise it as Secretary General, ‘is given the fact that fighting trans-national organised crime is an unequal battle, governments with the same tools will not be able to effectively battle or fight trans-national organised crime’.

He said those involved in trans-national crime are not abiding by any law.

‘They don’t care for law, or rules or regulation or protocols or people. They kill at random. It is an own personal interest organisational interest and they have advanced technology, they have revenues, all illegal.

‘On the other hand, you have law enforcement or the government to fight them, but in a way where they have to keep in mind all kinds of constitutional or legal arrangements,’ Ramdin said, adding that he is all in favour of respecting constitution and laws.

‘But when you have this unequal battle and we want to win that battle, then you will need to find in a creative way, new legal framework that gives the authority to the governments to fight crime with more tools with due respect for human rights’.

Ramdin said that for too long ‘we have thought we would have been able to battle trans-national organised crime in that way’.

He said that regarding the current situation in the Caribbean, the United States has decided ‘unilaterally’ to fight the illegal drugs trade, and while no one is against the objective ‘it is the way it is being done that requires some more discussion.

‘I don’t have all the information as well .,’ he said, noting that in terms of the positioning of some countries on the issue ‘that is primarily a matter for the regional organisation, CARICOM.

‘I have spoken to some about this, also at the prime ministerial level to get an impression about what the situation is,’ he said, adding that he is also being asked by others about it.

‘So there is an interest. CARICOM is a united front, this one it looks like it is not and this is for CARICOM to discuss. Whatever we can dop to facilitate, we will be willing. But I think it is a matter time that CARICOM will be able to see eye to eye within the region on this matter’.

He said governments in today’s world have different inter-state relationships and ‘we see that with the United States, we accept that reality, the same reality we must accept in the Caribbean as long as we keep talking and keeping our eyes on the ball, which is to create a more safer hemisphere because we are not in favour of any incident lead into an escalation or a war type situation.

‘We must keep the hemisphere as a zone of peace, otherwise we will be further home,’ Ramdin added.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

KINGSTOWN – Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says at least eight lawyers and activists from Trinidad and Tobago are here to campaign for the opposition ahead of Thursday general election in which his ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) is seeking an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office.

PARAMARIBO – The state-owned oil and gas company, Staatsolie has launched its ‘Open-Door Offering’, an initiative aimed at unlocking new exploration opportunities in the Guiana Basin, one of the world’s most prolific hydrocarbon basins.

LONDON – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing an application by Guatemala into a land dispute that could reshape regional borders in Central America.

WASHINGTON – The United States says it is imposing visa restrictions on an unnamed Haitian government official for supporting gangs and other criminal organizations, as well as obstructing the Haitian government’s fight against terrorist gangs designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

GEORGETOWN – The Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat Tuesday congratulated Suriname on its 50th anniversary of political independence from the Netherlands.

SPORTS:

CHRISTCHURCH – Having been competitive in both the preceding T20I and One Day International series against New Zealand, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy says the team is brimming with confidence ahead of their upcoming Test series.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Tuesday said that the country has signed six new air services agreements aimed at improving between Guyana and Africa and Latin America.

It said the agreements were signed at the recently held 17th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation Event (ICAN 2025) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The GCAA said Guyana negotiated and initialed the air service agreements with Panama, St. Maarten, Uganda, Ecuador, Liberia, and Kenya and that the agreements create the legal framework that opens market access for airlines to operate and enhance competitive air transport services, trade, and economic growth between Guyana and those States.

It said it is anticipated that the agreements will stimulate interest from airlines in these states to consider destination Guyana as part of their route network and with these new agreements Guyana now has bilateral and multilateral air service agreements with over 60 countries.

Public Utilities and Aviation Minister, Deodat Indar, in welcoming the new agreements, said they will help in accomplishing the vision of connecting Guyana to the rest of the world.

‘Air services agreements signed by Guyana are necessary to advance our aviation sector. We are building a transformative aviation sector and having ASAs with other states is critical to accomplishing the vision of connecting Guyana with the rest of the world and building the Cheddi Jagan International Airport into an international air transport hub,’ he said.

Guyana has also commenced negotiations with France to update the 1974 air services agreement with the GCAA stating that updating of the agreement will allow airlines of both countries to operate to each other’s territory under a more liberal arrangement.

Negotiations were also initiated to establish an air service agreement with Austria.

The GCAA also signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Technical Cooperation with the civil aviation authorities of Cabo Verde and the Dominican Republic. Those MOUs aim to improve the development, modernization, and operational efficiency of aviation systems between Guyana and those countries.

Th extradition case involving billionaire businessman, Nazar Mohamed and his son, Azruddin, the leader of the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, has been adjourned to Friday following yet another exchange of documents in court on Monday.

The United States government had on October 30, this year, requested the extradition of the 73 year-old businessman and his 38 year-old son on multiple charges in the United States that were unsealed on October 6, 2025, by a Southern District of Florida Grand Jury. The indictment includes wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and customs-related violations connected to an alleged US$50 million gold export and tax evasion scheme.

On Monday, Jamaican attorney, Terrence Williams, who is representing the US interest, told Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman that he was submitting an updated disclosure for the prosecuting State.

Speaking with reporters after the hearing, Williams said that the documents represent the full set of material supplied by the requesting state.

‘This is the evidence supporting the request from the United States,’ he said, adding that although the defence had raised concerns about the documents not being properly processed, the prosecution had moved to share copies as early as possible, even before they arrived through diplomatic channels.

‘This is the second and final request, so this is the case,’ he said.

But defence attorney Siand Dhurjon said Monday marked the third hearing in the matter, and once again, not all supporting documents were provided.

‘Today they disclosed some documents, but not all documents. They asked that they be indulged and permitted no later than this Friday to submit the rest,’ Dhurjon said.

The defence did not object to the extension but insisted that all documents the prosecution intends to rely on must be handed over by Friday.

‘That is important because all of these things have to be established before the court of law before any lawful extradition order can be made,’ he said, adding that the defence plans to raise constitutional arguments at the next hearing.

‘We are working assiduously and building on those points with each passing day. New issues may be identified in those new documents,’ Dhurjon said.

Another defence attorney, Roysdale Forde noted that the documents that he and his team were receiving now were ‘not yet properly processed’ through the diplomatic channels’.

Williams said that, according to law, the documents must come through the diplomatic channels.

‘We do not intend to tender documents that do not come through the diplomatic channels,’ he told the court.

Both Forde and Dhurjon intend make oral submissions on ‘constitutional points’ when the case comes up again on November 28.

The ST. Kitts and Nevis authorities have ordered the recall of the Mellow Fellow: Tranquility 2ml vape device’ and ‘Cake Blueberry Super Jack vape device’ products manufactured in the United States.

In a statement, the Bureau of Standards said that these products are not approved under any national legislation, standard, or regulation within the Federation for trade or distribution. It said that these products labels clearly state they contains CDB for Mellow Fellow and THC for Cake Blueberry Super Jack, ‘posing public health risks, particularly to children.

‘The presence of these items in public trade spaces violates Bureau of Standards SRO 35 and SRO 36. Furthermore, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is listed as a Class A Controlled Drug under the Second Schedule of the Drugs (Prevention and Abatement of the Misuse and Abuse of Drugs) Act, and cannabis and its derivatives are restricted for import under the Customs and Excise Act.’

The authoritis say they are mandating ‘an immediate national recall of these products’ and that all distributors and retailers must remove them from sale within 48 hours of this notice.

Former prime minister Stuart Young, Monday, expressed ‘alarm’ at what hed escribed as the position being articulated by Homeland Security Minister, Roger Alexander.

Alexander told the Trinidad Express newspaper that the Kamla Persad Bissessar-led government is examining legal options to curb what he described as the misuse of social media and the spread of misinformation that threatens national safety and security. Alexander said that discussions are under way on ‘how we can approach (Attorney General John Jeremie) to see what is the best solution we have’ adding that the aim is to craft ‘a legal approach against that behaviour,’ including potential new laws ‘to limit persons’ continuous misuse of social media and the spread of misinformation’.

He said that the measures would target harmful conduct and not legitimate public expression.

But in a statement posted on his Facebook page, Young, said that as a ‘lawyer, and a proud citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, I am alarmed by the positions being articulated by the Minister of Homeland Security.

‘When you consider these positions along with his use of a Preventive Detention Order under the State of Emergency Regulations to detain a social media blogger, as opposed to using the available criminal law which allows the protections of bail and the tenets of being ‘innocent until proven guilty’, what we are seeing is a live and developing threat to democracy’.

Young was making reference to the detention order served on Olive Green-Jack, who posted an image of the Prime Minister’s private residence on social media, calling on Venezuela to target it.

The order, which was made on November 12 said that she ‘made and published public posts and/or comments on social media addressed to the Venezuelan Government in an attempt to influence public opinion in a manner likely to be prejudicial to public safety.’

It added that the posts and comments invited violence on the Prime Minister, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and members of the public by Venezuela and/or external persons, which revealed ‘an imminent threat to public safety.’

Trinidad and Tobago is under a state of emergency (SoE) that is due to end in January next year, and Young said that Alexander’s latest statement and the detention of the woman ‘are very dangerous developments.

‘Is it this government’s policy to use dictatorial actions to silence persons who have different opinions to theirs? We cannot simply ignore these clear and present threats to our constitutional rights and liberties.’

Young said that while he agreed that social media posts should not breach the laws of the country ‘examples are the law of defamation and criminal laws like harassment, and users, including ironically, government ministers, must be responsible and abide by the laws. ‘However, a line is being crossed by the government and these are dangerous developments.

Be alert Trinidad and Tobago,’ he wrote.

Alexander, is also reported to have written to the United States, seeking the assistance of the United States Embassy here to move on US-based social media actors, some of whom have dual nationality and targeting Trinidad and Tobago by spreading propaganda and fear.

The Express newspaper said it had obtained a copy of the letter, in which Alexander writes that ‘in recent weeks, several individuals-holding dual nationality or US residency-have been using media platforms, social-media channels, and online ‘news’ programmes to disseminate defamatory, inflammatory, and intentionally misleading narratives about our joint mission and the ongoing security operations within Trinidad and Tobago’.