Category: CANA News

A new partnership agreement has been signed between interCaribbean Airways and Virgin Atlantic, a move that will enable travellers to easily navigate the Caribbean.

The arrangement uses Barbados and Antigua as key connection hubs between interCaribbean’s regional routes and Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul services to London and other international destinations.

The development comes amid persistent travel challenges in the Eastern Caribbean, where limited flight schedules, high fares, and the collapse or downsizing of several regional carriers have made inter-island movement difficult.

According to the CEO of interCaribbean Airways Trevor Sadler, the new partnership is meant to ease some of those burdens.

‘This agreement with Virgin Atlantic represents another milestone in our mission to enhance Caribbean connectivity,’ Sadler said. ‘By partnering with a world-leading airline, we create additional options for Caribbean travellers to reach international destinations while also welcoming Virgin Atlantic customers to experience the beauty and diversity of the Caribbean across our network.’

Virgin Atlantic passengers flying into Barbados or Antigua will now be able to transfer directly onto interCaribbean flights to destinations including the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St. Kitts Nevis, Grenada, St Lucia and others, without the need for separate bookings or re-checking luggage.

This change is expected to improve reliability during the region’s busy tourism months.

The agreement is also expected to benefit Caribbean diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, offering more straightforward connections home during peak periods such as Christmas, summer breaks, and major cultural festivals.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) late Friday issued a security Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) cautioning civil aircraft operators about potential dangers in Venezuelan airspace.

The FAA says the NOTAM is the result of increased Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in Venezuelan airspace and military drills beginning in September.

On Saturday, a number of airlines were still flying to and from Venezuela.

But US operators must now provide 72 hours prior notice to the FAA before flying through Venezuela.

As part of an order issued in 2019, US airlines are already prohibited from flying to/from Venezuela.

The FAA NOTAM covers the MAIQUETIA (SVZM) flight information region.

Flight information regions are how air traffic control authority is divided around the world.

They are not national boundaries.

Venezuela manages the MAIQUETIA FIR, which includes all of Venezuelan land and extends into the Caribbean Sea approximately 350 miles at its furthest point.

West Indies were dismissed for 161 after electing to bat against New Zealand in the third and final One Day International here at Seddon Park on Friday.

WEST INDIES 161 in 36.2 overs (Roston Chase 38, John Campbell 26, Khary Pierre 22 not out, Sherfane Rutherford 19, Ackeem Auguste 17, Shai Hope 16, Shamar Springer 12; Matt Henry 4-43, Jacob Duffy 2-27,

The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday welcomed the announcement made by bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT) that it has safely completed the Cypre seven-well drilling programme following delivery of first gas in April 2025.

Energy and Energy Industries Minister, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, said that Cypre is based on natural gas discovered by the Macadamia-1 well, drilled in 2017, combined with the South East Queens Beach (SEQB) gas reservoirs. He said significant volumes of natural gas that will be produced from Cypre are from the Macadamia discovery. ‘The energy sector remains integral to our economy and resources from the Cypre project play an important role in strengthening Trinidad and Tobago’s natural gas supply. We look forward to continued investment as we advance our energy sector together,’ Moonilal said.

bpTT said that the Cypre development is made up of seven wells tied back intoits existing Juniper platform and that four wells were drilled and completed at the end of 2024 with the first gas delivered in April this year.

‘The project team has now drilled, completed and commissioned the remaining three wells. At peak, Cypre is projected to deliver approximately 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (approximately 250 million standard cubic feet of gas a day). Cypre is bpTT’s third subsea development,’ the company said.

‘Completion of these wells and the gas delivered mark a safe and successful delivery for bp and Trinidad and Tobago. This achievement underscores our commitment to maximizing production from the Columbus Basin and reflects a significant investment and bpTT’s continued dedication to the country’s energy sector,’ said bpTT president, David Campbell.

‘This is the latest achievement in a year of strong delivery for bpTT, including the bp-operated Frangipani gas discovery and working with our joint venture partner, EOG, to deliver first gas from the Mento major project. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Government and other stakeholders to unlock Trinidad and Tobago’s energy futurem’ he added.

The Cypre gas field is located 78 kilometers off the southeast coast of Trinidad within the East Mayaro Block, in water depth of approximately 80 metres. Cypre is 100 per cent owned by bpTT, which is owned by bp (70 per cent) and the Madrid-based Repsol (30 per cent)

A Guyana delegation is ending a three-day visit to Suriname, as part of a malaria elimination exchange visit to the neighbouring Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.

‘The purpose of this visit was to exchange knowledge about the approach to malaria in Suriname. This mission focuses on lessons and strategies learned from the success of malaria elimination in Suriname, which can support Guyana’s progress towards elimination and also contribute to preventing the reintroduction of malaria in Suriname,’ said the state-owned Suriname’s Communications Service (CDS). Earlier this year, the World Health Organization said Suriname had become the first country in the Amazon region to receive malaria-free certification.

Suriname’s Health Minister, André Misiekaba told the meeting that after Suriname received the WHO malaria-free certificate, PAHO has been fully focused on strategies to expand the number of malaria-free areas in the Amazon region.

‘As Minister of Health, I am aware that the eradication of malaria in Suriname, which is part of the Guiana Shield and also the Amazon region, is not sustainable if it is not accompanied by regional efforts to further reduce malaria,’ Misiekaba said, adding that the main challenge currently facing Suriname is preventing the reintroduction of malaria due to cross-border population movements.

He expressed the hope that this bilateral meeting will lead to a sharing of experiences that will not only help keep Suriname malaria-free, but will also lead to more intensive cross-border cooperation, information exchange, and bilateral support, which will then lead to a malaria-free Guyana Shield in the near future.

The malaria elimination mission carried out various activities during its time in Suriname, including a technical meeting with the team from the National Malaria Programme and the Malaria Elimination Task Force as well as a visit to the Trop Clinic/Malaria Clinic in Paramaribo to observe diagnosis and treatment practices.

A field visit to the malaria clinic near the Afobaka Dam to observe mobile malaria service delivery models for hard-to-reach populations as well as a visit to a Medical Mission clinic was also scheduled to place.

PAHO’s Director in Suriname, Dr. Yafflo Ouattara, said that the regional collaboration is not optional, but essential and that the visit reflects the partnership needed to maintain malaria elimination in Suriname and accelerate progress in Guyana.

‘The knowledge you gain here can inspire new strategies at home, and your insights will also help us maintain the high level of vigilance needed to protect Suriname’s malaria-free status. The lessons learned will be crucial for the entire region,’ said Ouattara in the statement.

A 10-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Election Observer Mission (CEOM) has arrived here to observe the November 27 general elections

‘The CARICOM Election Observation Mission values this opportunity to support the democratic process in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The Mission expresses its appreciation for the warm welcome and cooperation received since its arrival and extends its best wishes to the electorate as they prepare to go to the polls,’ said Sase R Gunraj, the chief of the Mission. He said that the Mission was deployed in response to an invitation extended by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines government and will remain on the island until November 29.

The Mission comprises senior electoral and other officials from seven CARICOM member states, as well as three members of the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat, who will provide administrative and logistical support.

Gunraj, who is the Commissioner with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), said since their arrival, members of the Mission have met with Daniel Cummings, Chairman of the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP), as well as Dr. Doris Frederick, Leader of the National Liberation Movement (NLM).

‘We have also met with representatives of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union, the Voice of the Disabled, and the media,’ he said, adding that in the coming days, the CEOM is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, whose Unity Labour Party (ULP) is seeking an unprecednted sixth consecutive term in office.

The Mission will also meet with the Supervisor of Elections, Dora James and Police Commissioner, Enville Williams.

‘The team will also engage with other political actors and civil society institutions. These engagements are expected to provide the CEOM with a first-hand account of the pre-election atmosphere and assess the level of preparedness for the holding of the elections,’ Gunraj said, adding that the role of the CEOM Observers on Election Day is to observe the electoral process, including preparations for the start of the poll, the casting of votes, the closure of the polling stations, the counting of the ballots, and the declaration of results.

The CEOM will also assess the immediate post-election atmosphere, he said, adding that a preliminary statement will be issued, outlining the Mission’s initial assessment of the electoral process.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, says the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa when it passed through the region in late October, underscores the urgency of addressing the existential threats posed by climate change.

Addressing the 61st regular meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), Barnett spoke also of the Council’s critical role in advancing regional trade and economic resilience even as the 15-member regional grouping continues to experience climate-related shocks. Hurricane Melissa tore into Jamaica on October 28, leaving 42 people dead, 15 others missing ands an estimated nine billion dollars in damage. Earlier this week, four CARICOM leaders paid a visit to Jamaica in what has been described as a tangible demonstration of regional solidarity and a catalyst for additional support.

The Category 5 storm also affected Haiti and Cuba.

‘The experience leaves us in no doubt about the urgency of addressing the existential threats posed by climate change and the need to redouble our efforts to build resilience and foster sustainable development across our region,’ Barnett told the COTED meeting.

‘Strengthening our trade and economic performance is a critical part of this, and COTED must continue to play its important role in this regard,’ she said, adding she is ‘encouraged to see that the agenda of this COTED include important initiatives that will help us to respond collectively and strategically to these challenges as well as continue the push for growth that the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is intended to help us realise.

The CSME allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour and finance across the grouping.

Chair of the meeting, and Belize Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Marconi Leal, emphasised the central role of COTED in addressing issues of trade and economic development.

‘We are meeting amidst complex global geopolitical and domestic challenges that are testing the resilience of individual member states and the Community at large.

‘The recent passage of Hurricane Melissa provided another stark reminder of the region’s extreme vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters.,’ he said, highlighting the Council’s consideration of key CSME initiatives, including advancing the free movement of CARICOM nationals, implementation of the Community’s Industrial Policy and Strategy 2035 and support measures for the application of Article 164 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

In a damning and frank assessment of Trinidad and Tobago’s failed 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, former Technical Director Anton Corneal has pointed to a critical lack of ‘dying passion’ within the squad and raised serious questions over the financial feasibility of retaining head coach Dwight Yorke. Speaking on the i95.5fm ISPORTS program with host Andre Errol Baptiste on Thursday, the well-renowned FIFA Technical Coaching Officer did not mince words, labelling the recent Concacaf second-round exit a ‘missed opportunity without a doubt.’

Corneal, whose expertise is respected across the globe, dissected the campaign by highlighting specific moments where the national team let precious points slip through their fingers.

‘When you look back at the games, you can say, you know what, we probably should have beaten Curacao in Trinidad and in Curacao, that’s six points,’ Corneal stated, emphasising the magnitude of those two results alone.

He also pointed to misfortune in the away loss to Jamaica, noting, ‘We were unlucky in Jamaica, not to have gotten any of those disallowed goals, and of course, through VAR it did show that they were offside.’ However, he was quick to add that the team failed to create its own fortune, repeating, ‘We did not make our luck.’

Beyond tactics and luck, Corneal identified a deeper, more concerning issue plaguing the national setup.

‘If there’s an area where I sit on the outside looking in, that dying passion to get a result might have been missing,’ he revealed. He described this essential ingredient as a ‘passion that’s based on desire, commitment, that must come from the heart.’

The conversation then turned to the future and the uncertain status of head coach Dwight Yorke. Corneal suggested that the decision to keep the former Manchester United star and his staff may not be purely a footballing one, but a financial one.

‘People will have to understand what are all the pros and cons. I can’t say that I know financially. What will be the setback if we can even continue with somebody that probably demands a little bit more money?’ Corneal questioned.

He directly linked the funding of the senior men’s team to government support, asking, ‘Are we able to approach the government to say, is this someone that we can afford to pay? I don’t know the financial situation. So, in saying that, that will be a setback.’

Corneal concluded that the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) now faces a pivotal crossroads, weighing the cost of a high-profile coach against the urgent need to rebuild. ‘We have to think about whether we are prepared to build a team from now, or if we are going to wait. So there are so many areas.’

The Soca Warriors finished their Group B campaign with one win, four draws, and one loss, scoring seven goals and conceding six for a total of seven points, a return that Corneal and many fans believe was well below the team’s potential.

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro Friday warned that the police would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to illegal quarrying amid recent media reports focusing on illegal quarrying and mineral processing.

‘Let me state clearly that this is not a matter that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has only now begun to investigate,’ Guevarro said in a statement. He said that for several years, the police have been actively pursuing offenders, charging them before the courts, and dismantling the networks behind these operations.

‘Our actions are not directed at any one individual. We are confronting a criminal enterprise that robs the nation of its resources, undermines lawful industry, and finances organized criminal gangs.’

The top cop said that between 2020 and 2025, a total of 47 people were arrested and charged for offences relating to illegal quarrying and mineral processing without a licence issued by the Director of Minerals or the State Land Commissioner.

He said 19 had been charged for mining without a licence and 28 for processing without a licence.

‘I will like to take this opportunity to warn the persons involved in this illegal enterprise which has long been fuelling homicides, extortion and gangs to cease and desist. Those involved in these acts have sought to portray themselves as victims, but the facts are clear, as they were engaged in criminal activity that robs the nation of its resources and fuels organized crime.

‘Under my watch, the hardworking and dedicated officers of the TTPS will not be swayed by attempts to recast offenders as victims. The true victims are the people of Trinidad and Tobago, whose lands, communities, and future are being exploited to line the pockets of organised criminal groups.’

Guevarro said that as he has said before ‘don’t play victim to the media on one hand, while you’re holding the shovel that digs the country’s grave in the other.

‘It is akin to a thief coming to your house to rob you and getting vex because you put up burglar proofing,’ he said, adding ‘these activities are criminal offences, and those who persist will face arrest, prosecution, and the full weight of the law.

‘The TTPS remains resolute in protecting the resources of Trinidad and Tobago, ensuring lawful industry thrives, and dismantling criminal enterprises that threaten national security and public trust,’ the top cop added.

Caribbean countries have been warned that organised criminals were evolving and leveraging gaps in knowledge of natural resource and environmental crime issues to evade detection by law enforcement.

Assistant Director – Projects, at the Trinidad-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), Nadine Bushell, said that these environmental crime activities converge with other serious transnational organised crimes and nefarious activities that put the Caribbean Region at risk.

‘At CARICOM IMPACS, we have observed a troubling acceleration in transnational organised criminal networks exploiting the region’s natural resources for profit.,’ she told a workshop targeting the illicit trade and trafficking of glass eels, often linked to transnational organised crime, ‘The extremely high value of glass eels in the global market has made this a lucrative commodity that has been set upon by criminal actors who target these low-risk and high-value commodities as they diversify their criminal activities beyond the well-known crimes that law enforcement typically monitor and scrutinise’, she explained.

The workshop, which ends later on Friday, is being hosted by CARICOM IMPACS and supported by the Canadian High Commission and Auxilium Worldwide. It brings together regional law enforcement, customs, fisheries and environmental protection agencies to enhance their investigative capacity against this growing environmental crime.

Speaking at the start of the workshop, Ms. Nadine Bushell, Assistant Director – Projects, CARICOM IMPACS, warned that organised criminals were evolving and leveraging gaps in knowledge of natural resource and environmental crime issues to evade detection by law enforcement. She lamented that these environmental crime activities converge with other serious transnational organised crimes and nefarious activities that put the Caribbean Region at risk.

Bushell said that CARICOM IMPACS remains a steadfast advocate for the protection of the Caribbean’s natural resources and noted that addressing environmental crime and natural resource exploitation by criminals calls for deeper regional cooperation to strengthen the Caribbean’s collective response to this nefarious activity

The Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Brenda Wills, said globally, the illegal trade in eels is estimated to be worth up to three billion US dollars annually and that the Caribbean has become a key location for the capture and illegal export of eels, often destined for markets in Asia via North America.

‘This illicit trade threatens biodiversity, undermines legal economies and erodes the rule of law. Canada recognises the importance of regional cooperation in tackling these crimes and is proud to support initiatives like this workshop – which help to strengthen intelligence sharing, build capacity and fosters collaboration across borders’, she said.

The diplomat said that combatting wildlife trafficking required a whole-of-system approach, strong legislation, effective enforcement and robust reporting mechanisms coupled with education and awareness to ensure the public’s understanding and vigilance, so that these crimes do not flourish in the shadows.

The Subject Matter Expert at Auxilium Worldwide and workshop facilitator, Dr. David Soud, said that while eels may seem insignificant, they are key components of different types of aquatic ecosystems around the world, both as a food source when young and predators when mature.

He said they are a highly valued food source for human beings, especially in Asia, where most of the world’s eel products, over 150,000 tonnes of them, are consumed annually, including in sushi restaurants everywhere

‘The challenge for us here in the Caribbean is that this demand for eels has driven multiple species onto endangered lists. In the past few decades, we have seen a cascading decline in eel species.

‘The illicit trade in eels is a highly lucrative, multi-million-dollar criminal enterprise spanning the Caribbean, with estimates for the Region’s total trafficking volume ranging from 20 to over 100 tonnes annually’ he revealed.

This trade is concentrated in key source countries including Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. The financial incentive is staggering as glass eels sell for as much as US$5,000 per kilogramme to local collectors before being moved to concealed warehouses. They are then exported through North America – the United States and Canada – for onward re-export to Hong Kong and the lucrative Asian eel farming industry, with prices multiplying several times along the route

Dr. Soud said that the high value and complex logistics of this trade have drawn in global organised crime groups (OCGs), many of whom are already involved in trafficking drugs, weapons and human beings.

‘These networks orchestrate the entire process, from collection to movement and money laundering. Crucially, the legitimate global eel market, which is valued at billions, is exploited, allowing OCGs to use the legal supply chain to launder the proceeds generated not only from the eel black market itself but also from their other, broader criminal activities.’

He said the purpose of the workshop is for CARICOM IMPACS and its partners to achieve comparable agility and efficiency in countering the threat of the illicit trade in eels.

‘CARICOM IMPACS is uniquely suited to address this challenge, because to take on criminal networks, we need well-networked law enforcement and security agencies. We plan to emerge from this workshop better informed and better equipped to undertake this important work,’ he added.

The workshop programme includes sessions on emerging methodologies used by traffickers, data analysis to trace financial flows and case studies detailing successful global interventions.