Category: CANA News

Police have launched a manhunt for the gunmen who shot and killed two off duty policemen on Thursday night at a business establishment in St Andrew, a parish in the southeast of the island.

They have identified the dead police officers as Charles Stewart of the Spanish Town Police, and Jemarey Gordon from Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (CTOC). According to the police, the two off duty cops had gone to the establishment to meet someone to conduct business and that a confrontation ensued, with two men opening fire on the cops, hitting the lawmen, before making their escape.

Both men were pronounced dead at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH).

National Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang, has condemned the killings.

Police say a 17-year-old student is among three men who are being sought in connection with the killings. They said the other two, are both 20 years old.

‘This egregious attack on our officers is an attack on the very fabric of law and order in our nation. The JCF High Command strongly condemns this senseless act of violence against those who have sworn to protect and serve,’ said the Commissioner of Police, Dr Kevin Blake.

‘Let it be clear, we will spare no effort, no resource, and no measure to bring those responsible for this cowardly act to swift justice.’

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting that for the period, January 1 to November 08, the country has recorded 571 murders as compared with 979 last year, a 42.9 per cent decline.

The JCF said the areas with the highest killings were St. Andrew North with 69, followed by St. Ann with 51, St. Catherine North, 49, St. Catherine South 46, and St. James with 45.

Dwight Yorke’s dream of leading Trinidad and Tobago to the 2026 FIFA World Cup were crushed on Thursday night when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz in their crucial CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier.

Needing a win to give themselves a chance of finishing as one of the top two sides in the group, the draw left T and T on six points from their five games, behind Jamaica on 10 points, while Curacao, who thumped Bermuda 7-0, leads with 11 points.

With just one game remaining against Bermuda, T and T can only finish on a maximum nine points.

It means Jamaica and Curacao will clash in their last round match on November the 18, with Jamaica needing a win to secure an automatic spot to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Playing at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and buoyed by their home support, T and T started brightly and were unlucky not to have taken the lead in the 25th minute, but Levi Garcia sent his shot just wide of the post after dancing into the 18-yard box. Jamaica’s goalkeeper Andre Blakes was then called into action in the 37th minute to deny Tyrese Spencer’s powerful shot.

Two minutes later against the run of play, Jonathan Russell thought he had given the visitors the lead with a header, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for offside.

Following a goalless first half, Renaldo Cephas gave Jamaica the lead in the 53rd minute, capping off a fast break down the left flank by cutting in and slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.

With T and T desperate for an equaliser, Garcia headed inches wide of the post in the 71st minute.

Substitute Kevin Molino gave the hosts hope when he equalized in the 85th minute with a right-footed finish from close range.

However, despite pushing forward T and T could not find that all-important winner.

Meanwhile, Curacao put themselves in a strong position to finish top of the group by hammering Bermuda.

Playing at the Dame Flora Duffy National Sports Centre in Devonshire, Bermuda, Curacao were led to victory by Jordi Paulinha, who netted a brace in a one-sided contest.

Leandro Bacuna opened the scoring with a penalty in the sixth minute, before Juninho Bacuna doubled the lead in the 32nd with a blast from distance.

Paulina made his international debut in spectacular fashion, forcing a penalty kick as the goalkeeper took him down in the penalty area, and then burying the conversion from the spot in the 48th minute to make it 3-0.

Sonja Hansen added to the scoring in the 58th minute with a tap-in from the middle of the box, and Paulina recorded his brace five minutes later when he pounced on a rebound from the keeper and slotted Curaçao’s fifth of the night.

Ar’Jany Martha smashed a free kick in the back of the nets in the 82nd minute and Roshon van Eijma caught the keeper by surprise in the second minute of added time with a screamer from distance.

The Trinidad and Tobago government Friday announced the United States military will be engaged in a joint training exercise with members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) but dismissed suggestions it forms part of the preparation for possible military intervention in neighbouring Venezuela.

The announcement of the November 16-21 military exercise, follows media reports quoting the Attorney General, John Jeremie, that the US military is expected to intensify exercises in Trinidad and Tobago in the coming days.

Jeremie told the UK’s Financial Times that the US 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) would intensify exercises ‘in the coming days’

Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Sean Sobers, speaking at a news conference, said the TTDF and the MEU, which is deployed to the US Southern Command ‘will engage in training exercises.

(Details in Full News section)

St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. Terrance Drew has arrived here for a four-day visit, pledging to continue advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.

Prime Minister Drew, who met with President Lai Ching-te, said that Taiwan and his country shared values such as democracy, dignity and perseverance and that he would continue advocating for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO). St. Kitts and Nevis is among a handful of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries that enjoy diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade country and has been urging the international community to adhere to its One China policy.

The other CARICOM countries with diplomatic relations are St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize and Haiti.

Lai, meanwhile, thanked Prime Minister Drew for his remarks at the United Nations General Assembly this year, including urging the international community to support Taiwan’s engagement and underscoring the importance of stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Prime Minister Drew is leading a delegation that includes Foreign Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas and Ambassador-at-large Leon Natta-Nelson.

‘It is a great pleasure to return once again to the beautiful Republic of China. Each visit here feels both familiar and inspiring, a reminder of the enduring friendship that has united my country, St. Kitts and Nevis with yours, for more than forty-two years,’ Prime Minister Drew said, highlighting the depth and significance of the bilateral relationship.

‘Taiwan was the first nation to stand with us following our Independence, and through the decades, this partnership has matured into one of genuine trust, respect, and shared purpose.

‘My previous visits have always left me with a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s remarkable achievements in technology, innovation, science, and education, and this visit is no different. Each engagement provides us, as a young and ambitious nation, with an opportunity to learn, grow, and explore new ways to advance our own development.’

Prime Minister Drew said his twin island Federation ‘remains steadfast in its support for Taiwan, especially in ensuring that your invaluable contributions to global peace, development, and innovation receive the recognition and inclusion they deserve in the international community’.

During his visit, Prime Minister Drew will engage in a series of high-level meetings, attend key bilateral events, and explore areas for enhanced cooperation in health, education, technology, agriculture, and sustainable development.

He has already visited the Taipei Veterans General Hospital, one of Taiwan’s most advanced medical institutions and a global leader in clinical care, research, and health innovation.

Prime Minister Drew, who is also a medical practitioner and serves as Minister of Health, underscored the importance of learning from global best practices and deepening cooperation with long-standing partners such as Taiwan.

He said that the visit comes at a critical moment as the Federation accelerates efforts to build a resilient, Category-5-ready national hospital capable of withstanding the growing threats of climate change.

‘We are now in the stages of building the first phase of a new hospital, one that can withstand a Category 5 hurricane. With storms becoming more frequent and severe in the Caribbean, we must ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with this new reality.’

One of Grenada’s emerging talents, Teddy Bishop has been chosen to lead the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the upcoming CG United Super50 Cup.

The Windward Islands Cricket Board named the 22-year-old Bishop, a top order batsman, as captain when it unveiled its 14-member squad earlier this week. Bishop has played a solitary ODI for the West Indies and also represented the West Indies Under-19s.

He will have fellow countryman Johann Jeremiah as his vice-captain for the tournament, which bowls off in Trinidad on November 19.

A noticeable inclusion is Saint Lucia’s Kimani Melius, a former West Indies Under-19 captain who is making his return to List A cricket after a two-year absence.

The squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talents who will be looking to carry the Volcanoes to their fifth title.

They will begin their campaign next Wednesday against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

SQUAD

WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES: Teddy Bishop (captain), Johann Jeremiah (vice-captain), Sunil Ambris, McKenny Clarke, Darel Cyrus, Kenneth Dember, Shadrack Descarte, Daniel McDonald, Dillon Douglas, Keon Gaston, Kimani Melius, Kirsten Murray, Darron Nedd, Stephan Pascal.

The Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr. Didacus Jules has welcomed the World Bank-funded OECS Skills and Innovation Project (SKIP) saying it spans far beyond the discussion of ideas.

A four day Innovation Design Sprint workshop, hosted by SKIP is ending here Friday and was designed to bring together experts to quickly conceptualise, design, prototype, and test a solution to the problem of insufficient private sector involvement in post secondary education sector. The event is intended to guide the prototyping and development of a user-centred Knowledge Technology and Innovation Platform and is being facilitated by a four member World Bank team headed by Dr. Monica Parra Torrado.

Participants include post-secondary institutions, students, youth representatives and private sector representatives as well as government and policymakers, technology and innovation specialists, members of the diaspora.

It also allowed for representatives from the Council for Persons with Disabilities, The St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association.

‘This Design Sprint spans far beyond the discussion of ideas, it introduces innovation in action, by taking us out of the realm of speaking, and placing us firmly in the realm of doing,’ said Dr. Jules.

‘By collaboratively working together to ideate and prototype the Knowledge Technology and Innovation Platform, we are building a tool that will strengthen collaboration, empower young innovators, entrepreneurs and job-seekers, and drive sustainable economic growth in the OECS region.’

Currently in its inception phase, the Knowledge Technology and Innovation Platform will evolve into a fully functional, dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable regional entrepreneurship and innovation platform.

The OECS Commission said it is a tool which enables continuous collaboration between post-secondary institutions, youth, entrepreneurs, the private sector, and investors, both in the region and the diaspora, as well as other actors in the OECS innovation ecosystem.

It said employers will be able to identify and connect with job seekers whose skills, credentials, and interests align with their organisational needs.

‘The Knowledge Technology and Innovation Platform represents an important step in shaping innovation in the OECS. As part of the OECS Skills and Innovation Project, the KTIP will build an OECS community around collaborative innovation, and propel the region towards sustainable, resilient, inclusive and innovation-driven growth,’ The OECS Commission added.

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken Friday said there is no link between the deadly explosion at a gas station last month and the attacks that occurred earlier this year at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a GPL sub-station.

‘Based on our investigation, there is no motive that would point us to the collaboration of the others but to be sure that this happened and we have ramped up, as a jointed services, we have ramped up all of the gaps that we have and so, now we have as a joint services, we are better able to protect our country,’ Commissioner Hicken said. Hicken, who spoke to the media at the launch of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Christmas Policing Plan, he could not provide a motive for the second attack that resulted in the death of six-year-old Sorya Bourne and injury to three others

The October 26 bombing, took place months after two other explosions occurred at a GPL substation, and at the East Ruimveldt Police Outpost. The motives behind the attacks remain unknown, Hicken declined to disclose what led to the deadly attack in October.

‘That cannot be said at this time, you know the matter is before the Court,’ Hicken said when pressed for answers.

Currently, seven of the suspects at the centre of the bombing are facing terrorism charges in the Courts.

The Guyana Police Force, in a statement, have named them as 44 year-old Wayne Corriea, 51-year-old Ramesh Pramdeo; and 33-year-old Krystal LaCruz of Guyana and the four Venezuelans – 33-year-old Daniel Alexander Ramirez Podeomo, 33-year-old Jennifer Rodriguez, 27-year-old Johnny Boodram, and 44-year-old Alexander Bettancourt .

Podeomo was captured on CCTV camera, and was arrested two days later, following a nationwide manhunt.

He along with the other accused are currently on remand.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Amstrong Alexis has welcomed a new initiative involving the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in developing a statistical framework to measure poverty and vulnerability in the region.

The initiative, which will be piloted in The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, aims to enhance data systems to inform development strategies and strengthen resilience for sustainable development. It will produce regional knowledge products, methodological guidelines, and training modules for administering multipurpose surveys to assess economic, social, and environmental vulnerabilities in participating countries.

He told a commencement workshop for the 36-month technical cooperation project that the the initiative was necessary in light of recent disasters.

He said that the devastating impact of the powerful Category 5 Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica and Haiti reminded the region that vulnerability is not just a concept, but a lived reality, stressing the need for effective responses and solid evidence through accurate, comprehensive, and timely data.

‘The challenge before us is clear: how do we measure what matters the most? How do we quantify the effects on the lives and livelihoods of our citizens so that we can respond effectively and build resilience?’

‘Without data, the region risks being reactive rather than proactive,’ Alexis said, noting that understanding vulnerability in a consistent, comprehensive manner is essential not only to address the climate crisis but also to advance the Region’s quest for climate justice.

The IDB’s Country Representative in Guyana, Lorena Solorzano-Salazar, said that the Washington-based financial institution is pleased to collaborate with CARICOM and to build on a long-standing partnership that includes successful initiatives such the Common Census Framework.

‘Today’s workshop marks the beginning of a project that will enhance the regional capacity to generate data needed for a more resilient and equitable Caribbean,’ she said, as she emphasised the project’s critical importance in helping governments respond to the multidimensional realities of poverty and vulnerability.

‘Our collective experience has taught us that to address these issues effectively, we need reliable, comprehensive, and up-to-date data. Without it, it becomes extremely difficult to design and monitor innovative policies,’ she added.

The IDB Country Representative said that the project aligns with the Bank’s institutional priorities of reducing poverty and inequality, strengthening resilience, and improving governance through robust data systems.

It also supports the commitments made at the just-concluded 15th Meeting of the Standing Committee of Caribbean Statisticians to strengthen collaboration among national statistical offices.

The Bahamas is designated as the project lead for the participating states. Managing Director of the country’s National Statistical Institute, Jamiko Deleveaux told the workshop that the project is a priority for The Bahamas and the wider Community.

He spoke of the urgent need to address them by formulating evidence-based, adaptive strategies that target social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities, given the major sustainable development challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Deleveaux said that the initiative aligns with The Bahamas’ commitment to implement regional statistical development strategies. It also advances a shared goal of building efficient CARICOM statistical systems that respond to national, regional, and international development agendas, ultimately enabling resilient communities and driving sustained economic growth.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a new initiative designed to strengthen the skills and knowledge of primary health care teams.

The online course Caring for People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Primary Health Care coincides with the World Diabetes Day on Friday.

In addition, PAHO presented medicine and health technologies used for diagnosis and management of diabetes that are available through the PAHO Strategic Fund, along with other educational resources to improve self-care. The upcoming publication of a new WHO guideline on the management of gestational diabetes was also announced. PAHO said diabetes continues to pose a growing challenge to public health. In the Americas, 112 million adults, 13 per cent of the adult population, live with diabetes, and only 58 per cent of people aged 30 and older receive treatment.

It said that diabetes is also the sixth leading cause of death in the region, and if left uncontrolled, thousands more will have to live with complications that affect vision, kidneys, and mobility. These figures highlight the urgent need to expand access to primary health care services.

‘Strengthening primary health care capacity is essential to improving quality of care and advancing towards more effective and equitable health systems,’ said Dr. Carmen Antini, PAHO Advisor on Diabetes Prevention and Control.

‘This new course will support health personnel in the early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and control of type 2 diabetes, a condition closely linked to obesity, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity,’ she added.

The training programme, available through the PAHO Virtual Campus for Public Health, includes an introductory module and seven thematic units that cover criteria for diabetes diagnosis, comprehensive assessment, establishment of therapeutic goals, team-based care, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, and the identification and management of acute and chronic complications.

Aimed at primary health care personnel, including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, physiotherapists, social workers, and psychologists, the online course can also serve as a complementary learning resource for students in health-related fields.

The course is part of a set of tools developed by PAHO to support countries in addressing diabetes, such as the HEARTS-D technical package and other instruments that help optimize clinical follow-up and promote self-care.

PAHO said that the training programme is also aligned with the Better Care for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) Initiative, which seeks to strengthen countries’ capacity to integrate NCD management into primary health care.

It said that this initiative contributes to the regional implementation of the WHO Global Diabetes Compact, which aims to reduce diabetes risk and ensure that all people living with the disease have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable, and quality health services.

‘Poorly controlled diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower-limb amputation. It also doubles the risk of tuberculosis and increases the likelihood of severe complications during treatment.

‘Although diabetes can be effectively managed through regular testing and treatment, just over half of people with type 2 diabetes receive the care they need, mainly due to limitations in health systems.’

PAHO said it supports countries across the region through its Revolving Funds, a joint procurement mechanism that facilitates access to essential medicines, vaccines, and public health supplies at affordable prices-including diabetes treatments such as metformin, gliclazide, and insulin-with savings of over 90 per cent.

The Funds also facilitate the procurement of blood glucose monitoring devices, which strengthen self-care and disease control, particularly in communities with limited access to health services.

World Diabetes Day is being observed under the theme ‘Diabetes across life stages’ and PAHO said it reinforces the global commitment to reduce the risk of diabetes and ensure that all people diagnosed with the disease have access to comprehensive, equitable, and quality care.

The Supervisor of Elections, Dora James, says 32 candidates including one independent, will contest the November 27 general elections in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The elections are seen as a straight contest between the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who is seeking an unprecedented six consecutive term in office and the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) headed by Opposition Leader, Dr. Godwin Friday. The two parties have nominated candidates for all 15 constituencies, while the National Liberation Movement (NLM) is being represented by Doris Charles, who will contest South Leeward.

In a statement sent to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Charles, a former diplomat, said her nomination holds much significance for the NLM, which was established in 2022.

‘Since then, we have been advocating for national political changes through our programme of activities entitled Belldnation,’ she said, adding that it was broadcast through Bayhill News Network.

Speaking on the state-owned NBC Radio, James said that the sole independent candidate, Kenna Questelles, will contest the West St. George constituency. She is a former executive member of the Women’s Arm of the NDP.

Their candidacy brings to nine the number of women contesting the polls, with Questelles posting on her Facebook page, that if elected, she would launch a digital youth service agency to train and employ 150 youth to provide digital marketing services, website design and IT support services to businesses.

The ULP has challenged the nomination of Friday as the NDP’s candidate for the Northern Grenadines and Fitz Bramble as its East Kingstown candidate on the basis that both politicians acquired Canadian citizenship as adults and are therefore, by their own act, under allegiance to a foreign power, contrary to the Constitution.

The returning officer in each constituency allowed the nominations, but Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves later promised legal challenges to their candidacy.