Category: CANA News

Persistent water shortages across parts of this British overseas territory are forcing some residents to find alternative ways to meet basic household needs, with reports that people on the island of Jost Van Dyke have resorted to bathing in the sea.

The issue was raised during a recent Kross Talk podcast interview with National Democratic Party candidate for the Third Electoral District, Aaron Parillon.

Host Tyler Levons said he had seen reports that the water situation on Jost Van Dyke had deteriorated to the point where some residents were using seawater for bathing.

‘I saw in Jost Van Dyke, where it got so bad that members of the community resorted to bathing in the seawater,’ Levons said.

Similar claims have surfaced on social media, while Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull has also previously told the House of Assembly that some residents on Jost Van Dyke had turned to the sea because of water shortages.

Parillon said the problem extends beyond Jost Van Dyke, with residents in parts of the Third District sometimes going without running water for weeks.

‘Some specific parts of my community are without water for a month, sometimes two weeks, sometimes three weeks,’ he said.

He said the shortages create particular difficulties for women, elderly residents and families with newborn babies, and added that he has been using his personal truck for about a year to help residents transport buckets and gallons of water to their homes.

‘We all need water to bathe,’ Parillon said, describing the situation as ‘very disappointing.’

He argued that the territory should not be struggling to provide such a basic service given the size of its economy.

The government has acknowledged that the territory’s ageing water network has suffered from years of underinvestment and says repairs and upgrades are under way.

Approximately US$2.8 million is being invested in water infrastructure, including new pipelines in Sea Cows Bay, improvements to the Ridge Road transmission system and the rehabilitation of several reservoirs.

The government is also advancing plans to merge the Water and Sewerage Department with the BVI Electricity Corporation under the proposed Virgin Islands Energy and Water Corporation, VIEWCo.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says the country does not use walkouts as part of its diplomatic approach at the United Nations, following questions about whether Jamaica joined delegates who left the General Assembly during an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dozens of delegates walked out as Netanyahu began his speech to the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday, amid continuing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

West Indies reached 295 for seven in 50 overs after being sent in by India in the opening One Day International at Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday.

WEST INDIES 295-7 in 50 overs (Justin Greaves 101, John Campbell 62, Amir Jangoo 58 not out, Roston Chase 24, Keacy carty 13, Shai Hope 12; Kuldeep Yadav 4-40, Prasidh Krishna 2-60).

India defeated West Indies by eight wickets in the opening One Day International at Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday.

Scores

WEST INDIES 295-7 in 50 overs (Justin Greaves 101, John Campbell 62, Amir Jangoo 58 not out, Roston Chase 24, Keacy carty 13, Shai Hope 12; Kuldeep Yadav 4-40, Prasidh Krishna 2-60).

INDIA 300-2 in 41.4 overs (Virat Kohli 139 not out, Shubman Gill 110, Rohit Sharma 32, Ruturaj Gaikwad 13 not out)

India elected to field after winning the toss against the West Indies in the opening One Day International at Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday.

SQUADS

INDIA: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, KL Rahul, Naman Dhir, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gurnoor Brar, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna.

WEST INDIES: Shai Hope (captain), John Campbell, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Amir Jangoo, Jewel Andrew, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales.

Umpires: Jayaraman Madanagopal, Sam Nogajski.

TV Umpire: Sharfuddoula.

Reserve Umpire: Virender Sharma.

Match Referee: Prakash Bhatt.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Sunday, September 27, 2026.

PORT OF SPAIN – Former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley has condemned Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s criticism of Independent Senators following their opposition to the government’s Special Operations Bill, warning against what he described as an attempt to weaken their constitutional role.

KINGSTON – Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says the country does not use walkouts as part of its diplomatic approach at the United Nations, following questions about whether Jamaica joined delegates who left the General Assembly during an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

WASHINGTON- The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) says Ministers of Health of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member and Associate Member States have endorsed the Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026-2031).

SPORTS

HARARE – Nyasha Gwanzura’s all-around brilliance in the second One Day International carried Zimbabwe Women to a historic, series-leveling four-wicket victory over West Indies Women here on Sunday.

Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith says the country does not use walkouts as part of its diplomatic approach at the United Nations, following questions about whether Jamaica joined delegates who left the General Assembly during an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Dozens of delegates walked out as Netanyahu began his speech to the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly on Thursday, amid continuing criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the wider Middle East.

The incident prompted questions in Jamaica about the country’s position and whether its delegation had participated in the protest.

Johnson Smith did not state explicitly whether Jamaican representatives remained in the chamber throughout Netanyahu’s address, but told a town hall meeting in New York on Friday that Jamaica’s general approach was clear.

‘We are not a walkout country,’ she said.

The foreign minister said Jamaica seeks to remain present throughout the General Assembly debate regardless of which country is addressing the gathering.

‘Jamaica tries to be present throughout the debate. All countries don’t, but we try,’ Johnson Smith said.

‘It’s not a judgment call as to who is speaking. We make note of what is being said, and that is a part of our understanding of the world in which we are.’

She said the approach was longstanding and reflected Jamaica’s preference for remaining engaged in diplomatic discussions rather than using attendance at individual speeches as a statement on the speaker.

The comments were made during a town hall involving Jamaicans and members of the diaspora in New York.

Netanyahu’s address drew protests both inside and outside the UN, with delegates from a number of countries leaving the General Assembly hall as he began speaking.

The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) says Ministers of Health of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member and Associate Member States have endorsed the Caribbean Action Plan on Health and Climate Change (2026-2031).

PAHO said it is a new regional framework developed with its support to help countries strengthen resilient and sustainable health systems, and protect communities from the growing health impacts of climate change.

On Friday, PAHO said the endorsement took place during the 53rd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development, Health (COHSOD-Health), held at PAHO headquarters in Washington, D.C., ahead of the 63rd PAHO Directing Council.

‘Across the Caribbean, climate change and environmental hazards are increasingly affecting health through hurricanes, extreme heat, flooding, droughts and shifting transmission patterns of vector-borne diseases,’ PAHO said.

‘Hurricanes have damaged hospitals, health centers and outposts, disrupting essential health services, while changing environmental conditions continue to affect the spread of diseases such as dengue.

‘Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean face particular vulnerabilities due to their geography, economic structures and exposure to natural hazards,’ it added.

‘Protecting health systems from these threats is essential to maintaining access to health services and safeguarding health gains achieved across the region.’

Developed through a PAHO-led consultative process involving countries and partners across the Caribbean region, PAHO said the new Action Plan sets out regional priorities for strengthening health sector preparedness, resilience and sustainability, while supporting countries in addressing current and future health challenges associated with environmental and climate-related risks.

‘This new regional Action Plan reflects a shared commitment to strengthening health systems and protecting communities across the Caribbean from the health risks associated with climate and environmental threats,’ said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, director of PAHO. ‘Caribbean countries are demonstrating leadership on an issue that requires coordinated action across sectors.

‘As implementation moves forward, PAHO will continue supporting Member States through technical cooperation and capacity-building to strengthen resilience and sustainability in the health sector,’ he added.

Dr. Daniel Buss, chief of PAHO’s Climate Change and Environmental Determinants of Health Unit, said: ‘This updated Plan reflects both the progress made across the Caribbean and the challenges that remain.

‘It places greater emphasis on strengthening health system resilience, improving access to financing, and ensuring that countries have the tools needed to protect populations most at risk from health threats associated with climate change,’ he said.

PAHO said the Plan is organized around four strategic lines of action: Governance and leadership; Climate-resilient health systems; Low-carbon health systems; and Resources and financing.

PAHO said the Action Plan is also recognized as a public health good under the PAHO-CARICOM Joint Subregional Cooperation Strategy 2025-2029, ‘reinforcing the shared commitment of CARICOM and PAHO/WHO to strengthening health sector resilience across the Caribbean.

‘The updated Plan builds on measurable gains achieved under its 2019-2023 predecessor,’ it added.

PAHO said Caribbean countries developed Health National Adaptation Plans, trained more than 2,500 health professionals in climate change and health across 15 countries, expanded multi-hazard early warning systems to seven countries, and brought health facilities in seven countries up to PAHO’s SMART (Safe and Green) standards.

These achievements helped lay the foundation for the next phase of regional action, PAHO.

It said the updated framework was shaped through regional consultations with Member States conducted between 2025 and 2026, including virtual consultations, an in-person meeting in Bridgetown, Barbados, and successive rounds of technical review.

PAHO said the Action Plan is anchored in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Plan of Action on Climate Change and Health, the WHO Operational Framework for Climate-Resilient Health Systems, and PAHO’s Policy for Strengthening Equity-Oriented Health Sector Action on Climate Change and Health.

PAHO said implementation will be country-led, with PAHO/WHO supporting Member States throughout the process.

‘PAHO/WHO will continue to provide technical cooperation directly to Ministries of Health and will work through partnerships with CARICOM, CARPHA, academia, civil society and the private sector to expand the reach of our support, while joining Member States in mobilizing the resources needed to implement this Plan,’ said Leah-Mari Richards, chief of the PAHO/WHO Subregional Program for the Caribbean.

PAHO said Ministries of Health are encouraged to lead implementation in collaboration with other line ministries responsible for climate change, environment, finance, disaster risk management, energy, water and sanitation, and agriculture.

Countries are also encouraged to align national strategies and action plans with the region’s priorities.

In addition, PAHO said Ministries of Health are encouraged to lead implementation in collaboration with other line ministries responsible for climate change, environment, finance, disaster risk management, energy, water and sanitation, and agriculture.

Countries are also encouraged to align national strategies and action plans with the region’s priorities.

Scoreboard of the second Women’s One Day International between West Indies Women and Zimbabwe Women at the Harare Sports Club here on Sunday.

WEST INDIES WOMEN

*Hayley Matthews c +Mupachikwa b Gwanzura 26

Realeanna Grimmond c +Mupachikwa b Mavunga 4

Stafanie Taylor c +Mupachikwa b Mavunga 47

+Shemaine Campbelle c Gwanzura b Chipare 3

Chinelle Henry c sub (Mutasa) b Chipare 0

Jannillea Glasgow c Biza b Gwanzura 1

Zaida James c +Mupachikwa b Gwanzura 3

Aaliyah Alleyne lbw b Gwanzura 4

Afy Fletcher c +Mupachikwa b Mavunga 15

Ashmini Munisar not out 20

Karishma Ramharack b Chare 5

Extras (lb1, nb1, w9) 11

TOTAL (all out; 39.3 overs) 139

Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-56, 3-63, 4-63, 5-68, 6-78, 7-88, 8-101, 9-113, 10-139.

Bowling: Makusha 8-1-35-0, Mavunga 8-0-36-3, Chipare 6-0-16-2, Gwanzura 10-0-33-4, Chare 6.3-0-12-1, Biza 1-0-6-0.

ZIMBABWE WOMEN

+Modester Mupachikwa lbw b Alleyne 38

Kelis Ndhlovu c sub (Mangru) b Alleyne 30

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano lbw b Munisar 0

Beloved Biza b Fletcher 14

*Josephine Nkomo c +Campbelle b Munisar 30

Chiedza Dhururu lbw b Fletcher 2

Nyasha Gwanzura not out 18

Michelle Mavunga not out 2

Extras (lb1, w5) 6

TOTAL (six wickets; 40.5 overs) 140

Did not bat: Olinder Chare, Francisca Chipare, Tendai Makushka.

Fall of wickets: 1-67, 2-68, 3-70, 4-100, 5-105, 6-133.

Bowling: James 6-0-16-0, Glasgow 2-0-6-0, Matthews 9-1-33-0, Fletcher 8.5-1-37-2, Alleyne 7-1-27-2, Munisar 7-1-15-2, Ramharack 1-0-5-0.

Result: Zimbabwe Women defeated West Indies Women by four wickets to tie the three-match series 1-1.

Player-of-the-Match: Nyasha Gwanzura.

Umpires: Kim Cotton, Oscar Tafirenyika.

TV Umpire: Iknow Chabi.

Reserve Umpire: Percival Sizara.

Match Referee: Owen Chirombe.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has proposed limiting a possible arrangement with the United States to nationals of selected Caribbean countries, Brazil and Colombia, according to draft operating procedures outlined publicly on Saturday.

Under the draft, the United States would be able to propose nationals of Caribbean Community countries, with the exception of Haiti, as well as nationals of Brazil and Colombia.

Any person from another country could be proposed only with the prior written agreement of the Antigua and Barbuda government.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, speaking on local radio, said his administration had revised terms submitted by Washington and was now awaiting a response from the United States.

He made clear that the nationality restrictions form part of Antigua and Barbuda’s counterproposal and have not yet been accepted by Washington.

The draft would exclude citizens and nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, people under the age of 18 and individuals with a known criminal history, except for breaches of US immigration law.

Even those who meet the proposed nationality requirements would not automatically be eligible for transfer.

Each person would be required to hold a valid passport and have a realistic and lawful means of returning to their country of nationality or travelling onward to another destination.

Antigua and Barbuda would also retain the right to approve or reject each individual in writing before any transfer takes place.

The proposed procedures would cap transfers at seven people in any three-month period, while making clear that the government would not be obligated to accept a minimum number.

Browne did not say why Brazil and Colombia were included in the proposed arrangement or why Haitian nationals were excluded.

No transfers have been announced under the revised proposal.