Category: CANA News

Police Monday were continuing their search for a 44-year-old American national reported missing since July 22 on the southwest coast of the island.

Police said Elizabeth Waddell, also known as ‘Liz’ was last seen on the Grand Anse beach, a two-mile stretch of powdery white sand and calm turquoise water. ‘We specially appeal to fishermen, boat operators and residents along the southern coastline to report any sightings or relevant information that may assist in locating mS Waddell,’ the police said in a statement.

The police described Waddell as being of medium built, five feet five inches tall with short blonde hair. It gave no other details.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, her husband, Cailen Waddell wrote ‘my wife Liz is missing in Grenada. If any of you have connections to the island – can you please share the following with your contacts there?

Waddell said that he is on his way to the island and ‘to help search. I expect nothing less than Liz’s safe return – so please sent your love, light, thoughts, and prayers our way’.

Voice of the Disabled (VOD), an organisation that helps people living with disabilities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, has congratulated Faith Grant, a blind student for her remarkable performance at this year’s examinations set by the Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

Grant, who was born blind, and is among special education students accommodated at the Fair Hall Government School, performed exceptionally well in this year’s Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment (CPEA) to gain entry into the country’s top high school for females. Grant, who placed 19th among girl students and 43rd among the 1,760 students in St. Vincent and the Grenadines who wrote this year’s (CPEA) exam, has earned a place at the Girls’ High School.

‘God has blessed Faith, kept her and provided guidance along the way. With a mother who has been passionate and persistent, Faith successfully completed her primary education and ultimately showed the country that all people are capable of achieving greatness, despite differences,’ VOD said in a press statement.

It said that nearly a decade ago, Sister Samuel, who served as programme coordinator for an annual event recognising persons with disabilities at Calder Adventist Church, introduced VOD president and founder Cheryl Adams to the Faith’s mother, Yolanda Grant, .

‘This introduction would begin a friendship that blossomed and grew into partnership. As a parent of a child with a visual impairment, Ms Grant recognised the importance of educating herself, connecting with a supportive community, and seeking out the proper resources’.

The statement said that Yolanda Grant was invited to become a member of VOD and shortly after joining, she was assigned to the role of public relations officer and served as parent group coordinator.

‘Throughout her time at VOD, she delivered training for teachers and parents, and along with Mrs. Adams, worked collaboratively with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment.

‘Not only did Ms. Grant commit to enhancing the life of her own child, but she dedicated her time to serving the community and contributing to a meaningful cause for differently abled Vincentians,’ VOD said, adding that Adams and Grant worked to identify a school for Faith and advocated for proper accommodations.

‘Securing resources for Faith required a great deal of engagement with the Ministry of Education. Ms. Grant had been using her own money to cover the expenses for specialised support and services for Faith,’ VOD said, adding that it raised the family’s needs to the Ministry of National Mobilisation, which at the time was responsible for people with disabilities.

‘In response to the request for intervention, the Ministry of Mobilisation relieved some of the financial burden by coordinating assistance through SVG’s Youth Empowerment Service (YES) programme.

‘There were many challenges and obstacles. However, Faith proved to be a determined, talented, intelligent and resilient young person with a strong desire to learn,’ VOD said, noting Faith’s performance in CPEA.

VOD said ‘every child deserves a fair opportunity to reach their highest potential. Learning institutions, at all levels, should continue to evolve to meet the demands and needs of our diverse population.

‘Creating adaptive materials, providing assistive technology, incorporating Braille and other alternative communication methods, offering family support, providing specialised training to staff and improving accessibility to physical spaces are just a few ways to promote inclusivity.’

VOD said SVG still has a long way to go as a society and a country.

‘Parents and guardians, please take note of Faith’s story. We hope that you feel inspired by Ms. Grant’s unwavering pursuit of a quality life for her child. She understands the value of education, the power of advocacy and the importance of being present. This is only the beginning,’ VOD said.

It said that Faith will need much love, encouragement and support as she tackles the different phases of life.

‘As a person with visual impairment, Faith will also need assistive devices and other tools, which can be costly. If you find it in your heart and are able to offer your support, reach out to the family. You can use your voice and your actions to support local causes in your community and help other children like Faith.’

VOD said it will maintain its commitment to serving the community by advocating for change, encouraging independence through education and training, offering parent support, engaging with local churches and other entities, performing outreach, partnering with local, regional, and international stakeholders.

Pakistan trail West Indies by 44 runs with two wickets remaining after reaching 267 for eight at lunch on the third day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Monday.

Scores

WEST INDIES 311.

PAKISTAN 267-8 in 71 overs (Shan Masood 109, Imam-ul-Haq 63, Babar Azam 23, Salman Agha 20, Mohammad Rizwan 12; Justin Greaves 4-27, Shamar Joseph 2-58).

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar Monday praised ‘the great men and women of our protective services’ insisting that ‘no one’s wealth or social status will put them above the law’.

In a statement posted on her social media page X, Persad-Bissessar noted that since the increase in American support to the protective services in Trinidad and Tobago that began last year, ‘we have witnessed a heightened unease and furor among those who have built their wealth and social status by upholding illegality and criminality to benefit their friends, families, and financiers while simultaneously destroying the prosperity and happiness of law-abiding citizens. ‘They have spread false narratives to stoke hatred between the two major ethnic groups and launched unrelenting attacks on the American government and our protective services through their social media trolls, deranged commentators, race grifters…..’

But she said that despite the attacks from ‘criminal entities through their agents in the legal fraternity, business community, mainstream and social media to incite hatred against our protective services, the men and women of the police, defence forces, SSA and prison service through great efforts and personal sacrifices managed to bring down serious crimes by 15 percent in 2026’.

Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said she is ‘thankful to the brave men and women of our law enforcement and intelligence agencies who daily undertake the difficult responsibilities of protecting our nation and safeguarding our freedoms, often under immense pressure and unfair criticisms.

‘The protective services continue to demonstrate astuteness and diligence in their actions while maintaining the freedoms of all citizens,’ Persad-Bissessar said,expressing ‘sincere gratitude to COP Allister Guevarro, SSA (Strategic Services Agency)Director Alicia Henry, CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) Commodore Don Polo, Prison Superintendent Elvin Scanterbury, and all their colleagues’.

She said exterminating the evil local drug mafia which has entrenched itself across all classes of the society is not a job for weak men and women.

‘We are committed to seeing this mission through along with our international partners professionally and fairly. For too long this country has accepted a tiered justice system in which different rules, conditions, and treatment apply to persons and groups in society based on income levels, ethnicity, where they live, and who they fund.

‘That time has come to an end. No one’s wealth or social status will put them above the law. Persons from Laventille, Siparia, West Moorings, or any other part of Trinidad and Tobago will face the same application of justice,’ she said in apparent reference to the detention of prominent businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, who were released last week after the Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked a preventative detention order (PDO) that kept them behind bars for a month.

Since then there have been calls for the removal of Attorney General, John Jeremie and Alexander from the Cabinet.

A former senior government minister Monday urged the international community to rally around the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the United States publicly announced plans to dismantle the Hague-based court ‘using ‘all the tools at our government’s disposal’.

Former foreign affairs minister Winston Dookeran, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of activities marking the 36th anniversary of the July 27, 1990 attempted coup by members of the radical Jamaat Al- Muslimeen group to remove the ANR Robinson government, said ‘we stand firm against those who would like to dismantle that organisation’. Robinson is regarded as the chief architect and the driving force behind the creation of the ICC, who had revived the dormant idea of a permanent global court by proposing it at the United Nations, which led directly to the Rome Statute

As prime minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Robinson had legal experts draft a proposal and delivered a landmark speech to the UN General Assembly asking the International Law Commission to study creating a permanent international criminal court in 2002.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said that Americans would struggle to imagine a world in which U.S. soldiers, police officers, Border Patrol agents and elected leaders could be dragged before an international court, tried by judges from random countries across the globe, found guilty under international laws that Washington neither consent to nor control, and then imprisoned thousands of miles from America.

He said that the ICC was born at the turn of the century and had been ‘marketed as a narrow backstop to prosecute the gravest crimes.

‘Now the ICC and its allies seek a standing world tribunal with near-unlimited reach, empowered to override the courts and constitutions of the U.S. and other sovereign states-and to prosecute and arrest our citizens,’ he said, adding ‘Americans never agreed to any of this’.

‘The Trump administration will always protect American service members from this threat. The U.S. is launching a diplomatic campaign with a simple message-sovereign states over globalism. Those who benefit from American security must not stand idly by while those who provide that security are targeted. This is only the beginning. Using all the tools at our government’s disposal, working beside every ally with whom we can make common cause, we will dismantle the ICC-brick by brick, if necessary,’ Rubio added.

Dookeran said that the establishment of the ICC ‘took a long time and a lot of diplomatic initiatives.

‘But it did happen. And it was there, and it is there,’ he said, noting that ‘for very recent times, we have heard that there are some who would like to dismantle this institution.

‘Today, I want to say to you, who are here today, that the inspiration that you have provided us here today also should inspire us to ensure that we stand firm against those who would like to dismantle that organisation, and in fact, those who will not be able to do it, and we should discourage them from so doing.’

Dookeran, a respected international economist, who also served as prime minister during the 1990 attempted coup when Robinson was being held hostage by the insurgents, said the move to dismantle the ICC ‘is a big global situation, but it is one that reflects what is happening in the world.

‘What we are facing in Trinidad and Tobago is only but the reflection of what has happened throughout the world,’ he added.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly declined to comment on the US push against the ICC when queried during high-level bilateral talks with an American delegation, offering a brief ‘not now’ response.

Another West Indies batting collapse has left them fighting to avoid defeat against Pakistan in the historic first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

In a topsy turvy third day’s play, the West Indies seized control initially thanks to a memorable, maiden five-wicket haul from pacer Justin Greaves that saw the visitors crumble from their commanding overnight position of 199 for three to 282 all out in 80.1 overs.

Armed with a handy 29-run lead, the Windies’ batters failed to navigate the probing line of Pakistan’s pacers, limping to 126 for seven at the close of play – a lead of only 155 runs heading into Thursday’s fourth day.

It was a complete turnaround following the earlier heroics of Greaves, who created history with a sensational spell that saw him become the first player to bowl five consecutive wicket maidens in a Test match.

Pakistan looked to be cruising when Shan Masood, who resumed the day on 88, and Salman Agha were at the crease during a 47-run partnership that carried them to 244 for three.

During that stand, Masood too created history by becoming the first player to score a Test century at the venue and his seventh overall. He reached the landmark off 163 balls by slicing a delivery from Shamar Joseph to cover for a single.

Joseph got the ball rolling for the Windies by sending Agha’s off stump cartwheeling and in the next over, without a run added, Greaves brought Masood’s innings to an end by bowling him off the inside edge for 109 off 184 balls. Greaves continued his demolition job by picking up the wickets of Aamer Jamal, Ali Usman, Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Abbas in consecutive overs to send Pakistan plummeting to 267 for nine, before Kemar Roach wrapped up the innings by having Khurram Shahzad caught behind.

Greaves ended with the outstanding figures of 5-27 from his 11 overs, while Roach (2-53) and Joseph (2-58) provided good support.

However, the West Indies’ batters struggled mightily against Pakistan’s medium pacers to all but relinquish their small advantage.

Brandon King was lucky to pick up a boundary when he edged Shahzad in the air between gully and backward square, but his luck ran out next over when he edged Abbas behind for wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to take a good low catch.

Three balls later, Abbas struck again by also having Kavem Hodge caught behind for a duck to leave the home side seven for two.

Mohammad Ali then produced an athletic effort to hold on to a return catch that dismissed Amir Jangoo for four, as the West Indies limped to tea on 30 for three.

It didn’t take long for Pakistan to strike once play resumed, with Shahzad bowling Shai Hope after he completely missed his heave over long on to make the score 43 for four.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Greaves tried to repair the damage during a partnership of 37 for the fifth wicket, but just as things were looking promising, Chanderpaul needlessly tried to pull a short ball outside off stump into the on side and was caught at square leg for 35.

Greaves was then spectacularly caught by a diving Babar Azam at cover for 20 off the bowling of Abbas and Shahzad had skipper Roston Chase caught behind for eight shortly after to leave the Windies perilously placed at 93 for seven.

However, just as he did in the first innings, Shamar Joseph gave his side some much-needed runs in an unbeaten knock of 22 off 13 balls that has included three sixes.

Together with Roach, they put on 33 valuable runs for the eighth wicket to stretch the lead past the 150-mark and ensure there were no further losses.

Abbas has so far claimed 3-14 and Shahzad 2-36.

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) says it will on Wednesday this week deliver its judgment in the appeal of the Guyana Opposition Leader, Azruddin Mohamed and his businessman father, Nazar Mohamed regarding his extradition to the United States where he is wanted on several fraud related matters.

The CCJ, which is Guyana’s highest and final court, said that the ruling will be handed down at 2.00 pm (local time). On October 30, 2025, the United States government submitted a request to Guyana seeking the extradition of the Mohameds to face an 11-count criminal indictment, including allegations of conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering.

Following receipt of the request, the Minister of Home Affairs of Guyana issued an Authority to Proceed under the Fugitive Offenders Act. On 31 October 2025, Magistrate Judy Latchman issued arrest warrants, formally commencing extradition proceedings in the Court of Committal, which remain ongoing.

But in December 2025, the Mohameds initiated judicial review proceedings against the Minister of Home Affairs, the Attorney General and the Magistrate, challenging the validity of the Authority to Proceed and seeking a stay of the extradition process.

Their claim was dismissed by the High Court on 4 February 2026 and by the Court of Appeal on 17 March 2026. The applicants are now seeking special leave to appeal to the Caribbean CCJ.

While the High Court and the Court of Appeal refused to stay the extradition proceedings, at a case management conference held on 25 March 2026, the CCJ granted an interim stay of the extradition proceedings pending the determination of the application for special leave.

The CCJ also fixed the special leave application for hearing via video conference on April 21, this year and ordered, among other things, that the hearing of the application for special leave be treated as the hearing of the substantive appeal.

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles Monday, urged Trinidad and Tobago to reject violence as a means of political change, urging citizens to defend the rule of law, and strengthen the institutions that preserve rheir freedom.

In a message marking the 36th anniversary of the failed coup attempt by members of the Jamaat Al-Muslimeen group led by Yasin Abu Baks that sought to remove the ANR Robinson administration on July 27, 1990, Beckles said the country should ‘pause to remember one of the darkest chapters in the history of our Republic’. She said that the armed insurrectionists was not only an assault on the Parliament and the Prime Minister, but on the Constitution, the rule of law, and the democratic values upon which our nation is built.

‘As Leader of the Opposition, I pay solemn tribute to the twenty-four citizens who lost their lives, to those who suffered and still endure physical and emotional trauma; to the members of our security services who courageously defended our nation, and to the countless families and business owners whose lives were forever changed by those tragic events. Their sacrifice and resilience are indelibly woven into the fabric of our national story.’

Beckles, the first woman to head the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said that 36 ywars later, ‘the memories of that terrible week remain vivid.

‘The attempted coup reminds us that our hard-earned democracy is neither automatic nor guaranteed. Democracy can only be sustained when we defend our institutions, respect the Constitution, and uphold the freedoms and rights of every citizen.’

She said that the greatest lesson of July 27, 1990 event is that democracy must never be taken for granted.

‘It demands constant vigilance, responsible leadership, and an unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law. Every generation has a responsibility to protect these principles so that such an attack on our Republic is never repeated.

‘As we reflect on this solemn anniversary, as well as events which unfolded just recently in Trinidad and Tobago, I call upon the Government and all national leaders to recommit to the founding democratic principles of our Republic’

Beckles said that democracy cannot flourish where there is fear, intimidation, or any erosion of the fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to citizens.

‘We must steadfastly guard against actions that undermine public trust, weaken democratic institutions, or intrude upon the liberties that our Constitution was designed to protect,’ she said, adding that the ‘strength of a democracy is measured not only by its ability to hold elections, but by its commitment to respect differing opinions, and the protection of the civil liberties of every citizen. Governments may change, but these principles must remain constant.

‘Today, as we honour those who stood firm in defence of our nation, let us also renew our collective pledge to safeguard our democracy. Let us reject violence as a means of political change, defend the rule of law, and strengthen the institutions that preserve our freedom.

‘May the memories of those we lost continue to inspire us to build a Trinidad and Tobago where democracy is protected, justice prevails, and every citizen can live in peace, security, and freedom,’ Beckles said, adding ‘lest we forget’.

During the six-day violent insurrection, the Jamaat al Muslimeen group targetted the Parliament and the national television station. A total of 24 people, including Member of Parliament Leo Des Vignes, died during the attempted coup.

Pakistan trail West Indies by 29 runs after being dismissed for 282 after lunch on the third day of the first Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Monday.

Scores

WEST INDIES 311.

PAKISTAN 282 in 80.1 overs (Shan Masood 109, Imam-ul-Haq 63, Babar Azam 23, Salman Agha 20, Khurram Shahzad 19, Mohammad Rizwan 12; Justin Greaves 5-27, Kemar Roach 2-53, Shamar Joseph 2-58).

Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro Monday said he had ‘ordered an immediate investigation’ into the circulation on social media of an audio recording alleging intercepted communication purportedly featuring Syrian businesswoman Star Sabga.

The recording allegedly contains comments described as a threat against Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. However, Sabga, who has been detained under a preventative detention order (PDO) under the existing state of emergency (SoE) has not been charged with any offence arising from the audio. A High Court judge is expected to rule Monday on whether the 70 year-old Sabga will be granted an interim release after lawyers representing the state was granted additional time to respond to her application last weekend.

Sabga is believed to be a relative of Genevieve Hadeed, who along with her businessman husband, Dominic, were released after the Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander revoked a preventative detention order (PDO) that kept them behind bars for a month.

The Hadeeds had been detained amid allegations that they were conspiring to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General John Jeremie and other members of her government.

The recording and its contents were first published by the Sunshine Newspaper owned by former government minister Jack Warner over the last weekend and since then there have been calls for an independent inquiry into the matter.

Former police commissioner Gary Griffith called for an immediate independent investigation into the matter saying the apparent breach of the Strategic Services Agency’s (SSA) intelligence systems is a greater national security concern than the contents of the recording itself.

In a statement, Guevarro said that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) ‘acknowledges the circulation on social media, of an audio recording which is alleged to be intercepted communication,’ reminding that under the Interception of Communications Act, communications may only be lawfully intercepted pursuant to the legislation.

He said that the public is further reminded that ‘the Act expressly forbids the unauthorised disclosure of intercepted communications’ and that it provides that ‘a person who discloses the existence of a warrant or an application for a warrant… commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of fifty thousand dollars (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents)and to imprisonment for three years.’

Guevarro said in light of the seriousness of this matter, and its direct implications for national security, he has ‘ordered an immediate investigation to be spearheaded by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Andy Teewarie, to determine the authenticity of the recording, whether it constitutes any communication lawfully intercepted under the Act, and if authentic, the circumstances under which it entered the public domain.

‘The investigation will also determine whether any person unlawfully disclosed protected information and whether any breach of operational security, data handling protocols, or statutory obligations has occurred.’

Guevarro said he wanted to assure the public ‘that this matter is being treated with the highest level of urgency and confidentiality.

‘No further comment will be made while the investigation is active, however updates will be provided only when it is appropriate to do so in the interest of national security,’ Guevarro added.