Category: CANA News

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Monday said it has signed an agreement with the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) that would renew their partnership to strengthen health security across the tourism sector, while reinforcing the sub region as a safer, more resilient and sustainable destination.

It said that the renewed Letter of Agreement (LoA) commits both organisations to the continued implementation of CARPHA’s Tourism and Health Programme (THP) across OECS member states through December 2030.

The OECS groups the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.

The OECS said that the agreement represents the next phase of a partnership that has already delivered measurable results in strengthening public health systems, enhancing tourism resilience, and supporting sustainable economic development throughout the region.

It said tourism remains a key pillar of many OECS economies, contributing between 24 and 74 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounting for almost half of total employment.

As one of the world’s most tourism-dependent regions, safeguarding the health of residents and visitors is fundamental not only to public health, but also to economic resilience, investor confidence and destination competitiveness.

‘Our Sustainable Tourism Policy recognises that competitiveness, resilience and sustainability are inseparable. A destination is only as attractive as it is safe. Health security, then, is not an add-on to tourism. It is one of its foundational pillars,’ said OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules.

‘When we strengthen surveillance, raise health and safety standards, and build capacity across our Member States, we are not choosing between protecting our people and protecting our economy.

‘We are doing both with a single instrument. Several of our member states have already made real progress in implementing the Tourism and Health Programme, and I commend them. But our collective resilience is only as strong as the weakest system we tolerate among us. Through this renewed Agreement, our aim is to ensure that no Member State is left behind, that implementation is coordinated, even, and sustainable across the whole of the OECS,’ he added.

CARPHA executive director, Dr Lisa Indar, said ‘through this agreement, CARPHA and the OECS Commission commit to a simple but powerful chain of real outcomes, strengthened travellers’ health delivers healthier, safer tourism; healthier, safer tourism builds a more resilient, competitive and marketable OECS destinations and a resilient tourism sector secures the economic sustainability of the OECS sub-region.

‘A strong tourism and health programme in the OECS also translates into a healthier, safer Caribbean, further advancing regional health security.’

The renewed agreement also advances the objectives of the OECS Sustainable Tourism Policy, which recognises that resilience, competitiveness and sustainability are mutually reinforcing.

The OECS Commission said that by integrating public health more deeply into tourism systems, the partnership strengthens one of the essential pillars of sustainable tourism development: healthy communities, safe destinations and confident travellers.

The new agreement builds on the success of the first Letter of Agreement signed in 2021 with the OECS Commision noting that these achievements demonstrate the value of a coordinated regional approach that brings together Ministries of Health and Tourism and private sector stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and resilience.

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.

Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls got off to a winning start at the Commonwealth Games by thoroughly trouncing neighbours Trinidad and Tobago 81-22 here on Saturday.

Jamaica dominated Trinidad and Tobago from the opening whistle, racing to a commanding 24-5 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Veteran goal shooter Romelda Aiken-George led the way in the opening half with 27 goals, while goal attack Shanice Beckford added 16 as the Sunshine Girls carried a comfortable 42-12 advantage into the half-time break.

Head coach Sasher-Gaye Henry-Wright made several changes at the start of the third quarter, introducing debutant Azara Wilmot at goal shooter in place of Aiken-George, while Rhea Dixon replaced Beckford at goal attack. The changes had little effect on Jamaica’s dominance as the Sunshine Girls outscored T and T 18-8 in the third quarter to extend their lead to 60-20 heading into the final period.

Wilmot enjoyed an outstanding second-half performance, finishing with a game-high 33 goals from 41 attempts, while Dixon made an immediate impact by converting all 11 of her attempts.

Henry-Wright said while she was impressed with the team’s performance, she expects a much sterner challenge against former World Champions New Zealand, who they face in their next match.

‘We are always excited to play against New Zealand because we know that we are ready to match up against the top teams in the world.

‘…Today (Saturday) was just a test to see how we will manage the ladies in terms of the rotations and combinations, and so we are looking forward to game two against New Zealand,’ Henry-Wright said.

‘However, it is going to be a real tough game for us because they started very well in their opening game, but it is also going to be a tough test for them as well, but I think that the team that makes the least turnovers and converts their centre passes will come out on top.’

Guyana’s parliamentary opposition has welcomed President Irfaan Ali’s decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the sinking of the ferry – the MV Barima, but says the process must be broadened to ensure its independence, credibility and transparency.

In a joint statement issued Saturday, the opposition parties-We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), the Forward Guyana Movement (FGM), the Alliance For Change (AFC), and the Vigilant Political Action Committee (VPAC)-said the tragedy, which claimed more than 100 lives, demands a full accounting of what happened.

The parties said the victims deserve justice, grieving families deserve answers and Guyanese deserve a thorough and independent investigation into one of the country’s worst maritime disasters.

While welcoming the establishment of the commission, the opposition criticized the government for failing to consult parliamentary opposition parties and other stakeholders on its composition.

According to the joint statement, broader consultation would have strengthened public confidence in the inquiry and enhanced its legitimacy from the outset.

The opposition also questioned the timing of the announcement, noting that it came just before the National Assembly was scheduled to debate opposition motions on the MV Barima disaster.

It argued that while a Commission of Inquiry is important, it cannot replace Parliament’s constitutional responsibility to scrutinize matters of national importance or hold the Executive accountable.

The opposition further maintained that the Commission of Inquiry should not replace a separate, independent marine casualty investigation conducted in accordance with international maritime standards.

It said that, as a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Guyana should undertake a technical marine safety investigation consistent with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the IMO Casualty Investigation Code and the IMO Model Regulations on Domestic Ferry Safety.

According to the opposition, the Commission of Inquiry should focus on issues of governance, accountability and public administration, while a marine safety investigation should examine the technical causes of the disaster and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents.

The parties also called for the inquiry’s mandate to examine ministerial oversight, regulatory enforcement, administrative decision-making, emergency preparedness, resource allocation and any systemic failures within government that may have contributed to the tragedy.

They expressed concern over the appointment of the Commission’s secretary, arguing that public confidence depends not only on the independence of the commissioners but also on the impartiality of those responsible for administering the inquiry.

The opposition said the proceedings should encourage full public participation, allow all relevant evidence to be presented and be conducted in a transparent manner that inspires national confidence.

The joint opposition also renewed its call for Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar to resign or proceed on leave pending the outcome of the inquiry, arguing that their continued oversight of ministries that could come under investigation risks undermining public confidence in the process.

The parties said they remain committed to supporting every genuine effort to establish the truth, secure justice for the victims and their families, strengthen public confidence in public institutions and ensure the lessons of the MV Barima tragedy lead to meaningful reforms that prevent a similar disaster in the future.

Scoreboard of the second day of the first Test between West Indies and Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Sunday.

WEST INDIES 1st innings

(overnight 194 for three)

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Agha b Jamal 21

Brandon King b Abbas 12

Kavem Hodge c Agha b Shahzad 84

Amir Jangoo lbw b Abbas 21

+ Shai Hope lbw b Ali 92

Justin Greaves c Agha b Ali 15

*Roston Chase c +Rizwan b Abbas 10

Kemar Roach c Azam b Shahzad 3

Shamar Joseph c Agha b Ali 23

Jomel Warrican not out 1

Jayden Seales b Ali 0

Extras (b10, lb6, nb10, w3) 29

TOTAL (all out; 98.5 overs) 311

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-64, 3-106, 4-197, 5-231, 6-257, 7-274, 8-304, 9-311, 10-311.

Bowling: Abbas 26-6-63-3, Shahzad 23-5-66-2, Ali 21.5-5-50-4, Usman 13-1-35-0, Jamal 15-1-81-1.

PAKISTAN 1st innings

Azan Awais b Roach 0

Imam-ul-Haq c Greaves b Joseph 63

Shan Masood not out 88

*Babar Azam c +Hope b Seales 23

Salman Agha not out 0

Extras (b4, lb14, nb7) 25

TOTAL (three wickets; 48 overs) 199

Yet to bat: +Mohammad Rizwan, Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas.

Fall of wickets: 1-1, 2-156, 3-197.

Bowling: Roach 8-1-33-1, Seales 13-3-48-1, Joseph 9-0-33-1, Greaves 4-1-18-0, Warrican 14-0-49-0.

Toss: West Indies elected to bat.

Position: Pakistan trail West Indies by 112 runs with seven wickets remaining.

Umpires: Alex Wharf, Richard Kettleborough.

TV Umpire: Jayaraman Madanagopal.

Reserve Umpire: Zahid Bassarath.

Match Referee: Jeff Crowe.

Former attorney-at-law, King’s Counsel Charles Wilkin has been hailed by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for his invaluable contribution to the sport.

Wilkin, who passed away in St Kitts on Saturday at the age of 77, was an accomplished sportsman who represented St. Kitts in both cricket and football.

His contribution to cricket continued off the field, as he chaired St. Kitts and Nevis’ Local Organising Committee for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.

He also produced the Wilkin Report, which proved to be the foundation for the Wehby Report.

In a statement issued on Sunday, CWI President Dr Kishore Shallow described Wilkin as a ‘thoughtful servant of Caribbean civilization.’

‘Charles Wilkin understood that in the Caribbean, cricket is a part of our history, our identity and our understanding of ourselves. He also understood that institutions, like the game itself, must constantly be examined, strengthened and renewed if they are to serve future generations.

‘It was in this spirit that he led the work which produced the Wilkin Report, laying the foundation for the subsequent Wehby Report, to which he was also a key contributor alongside the late Jamaican Senator Don Wehby. Their work represented a serious reflection on the future of West Indies cricket and the responsibility of those entrusted with its stewardship,’ the statement read.

‘Mr. Wilkin’s contribution was rooted in a lifelong relationship with the game. He represented St. Kitts in cricket, played for Cambridge University, the combined Leeward and Windward Islands team, and later played a leading role in the successful hosting of ICC Cricket World Cup matches in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2007.

‘His contribution reminds us that the strength of West Indies cricket depends not only on those who play the game, but also on those who dedicate their wisdom, experience and courage to ensuring that the game endures. His contribution to West Indies cricket and the wider Caribbean will not be forgotten,’ Shallow added.

The Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture (DoA) has confirmed outbreaks of the highly contagious poultry disease infectious coryza in an undisclosed number of chicken flocks across the territory.

Officials stressed that while the disease can significantly affect the health of birds and reduce egg production, it does not pose a risk to human health and does not make poultry meat or eggs unsafe to eat.

The respiratory disease affects only birds and is caused by the bacterium Avibacterium paragallinarum. Symptoms include swelling of the face and wattles, foul-smelling discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing and lethargy. Although mortality among adult birds is generally low, the disease can reduce egg production by between 10 and 40 percent.

‘The Department of Agriculture is working proactively to support our poultry farmers through surveillance, treatment access and upcoming vaccination efforts,’ Director of Agriculture Wilbur Welcome said.

‘Our priority remains safeguarding local food production while equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to manage and prevent the spread within their flocks,’ he added.

According to the department, infectious coryza spreads rapidly through direct contact with infected birds, including recovered birds that remain lifelong carriers of the bacteria. The disease can also spread through contaminated feed, water, clothing, footwear, equipment and transport vehicles, as well as over short distances through the air in poorly ventilated poultry houses.

Affected flocks can be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, although treatment does not eliminate the carrier state. Farmers are also being encouraged to provide vitamins and electrolytes to infected birds and maintain clean, dry housing to aid recovery.

The Department of Agriculture is urging poultry farmers to strengthen biosecurity measures, including disinfecting footwear and equipment, isolating new birds for at least 30 days, separating sick birds from healthy flocks and limiting visitor access to poultry facilities.

Officials also announced that the government is procuring infectious coryza vaccines, which will be made available to local farmers once imported. The Department’s Veterinary Services team will provide guidance and training on vaccine administration.

The Department is advising poultry producers to closely monitor their flocks for respiratory symptoms and report suspected cases promptly to Veterinary Services to facilitate testing and treatment.