Category: CANA News

The Ministry of Education has announced plans to introduce Moral and Civic Education as part of the national school curriculum, along with a website for reporting bullying.

Education Minister, Sonia Parag, speaking at a national anti-bullying consultation, said the initiative forms part of a comprehensive national effort to eradicate bullying from schools and promote positive values among students.

Education Minister, Sonia Parag

Parag said that moral and civic education will help nurture empathy, kindness, and responsibility in the next generation.

‘Moral education should be the foundation upon which we become better human beings as we grow,’ she said, explaining the importance of the interventions, stating that they will ‘make acts of kindness and goodwill a habit that is very difficult to break’.

As part of this new campaign, the Ministry of Education also launched the Management Information System Unit (MISU) platform.

It said the secure digital reporting tool will enable students, parents, and teachers to report incidents of bullying or harassment.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) foreign ministers says they are ‘gravely alarmed’ at the escalating conflict, immense suffering, displacement, tragic loss of life, and dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

‘We stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Sudan and condemn in the strongest terms the widespread atrocities, including mass killings and systematic sexual violence against civilians, including those perpetrated during the recent conflict in El-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias in Darfur,’ the Council for Foreign and Community Relations of the Caribbean Community (COFCOR) said in a statement.

It said that these abuses, including rape and abduction, violate international law, directly oppose the 1993 UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe.

‘There can be no impunity for these crimes. The Caribbean Community supports the work of international investigative bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC), to ensure all perpetrators are held accountable.’

The CARICOM foreign ministers say they were calling for ‘an immediate and unconditional ceasefire’ in Sudan and that all parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians, and ensure the safe, unhindered passage of humanitarian aid.

‘The deliberate obstruction of relief, fuelling a man-made famine, constitutes a grave breach of international law and must cease immediately. We also urge all parties to respect the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan.

‘We strongly urge the United Nations Security Council and the African Union to take concrete action. This must include the immediate enforcement of a comprehensive arms embargo and the redoubling of efforts to secure a sustainable, civilian-led political solution.’

Sudan is facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Since 2023, ongoing conflict has killed more than 150,000 people. Entire communities have been wiped out, more than 12 million have been forced to flee their homes and hospitals have been deliberately targeted.

Amnesty International in a recent statement said together with its partners on the ground, they have ‘documented deliberate attacks on civilians, hospitals and displacement sites.

‘The evidence is clear: war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed, yet the international response remains woefully inadequate,’ Amnesty added.

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, has welcomed the agreement to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors in the economic, social, and educational development of the region, particularly to support Haiti.

‘The signing of this document is a milestone for us, and I am pleased that one of the areas of cooperation includes not only financial inclusion, employment, education, and food security, but also support for Haiti, ‘ Ramdin said.

He said he is confident that the partnership involving the Latin American Business Council (CEAL) and the OAS ‘will be the beginning of a long-standing relationship, not only with regard to Haiti but many other places where we will be able to assist.’

The OAS said CEAL brings together private business leaders from 19 countries in Latin America, Puerto Rico, Miami, and the Iberian Peninsula, who are committed to a ‘Borderless America,’ promoting the exchange of experiences, the promotion of investment, and integration among entrepreneurs.

It said this partnership was formalised following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 36th CEAL Plenary Assembly held in Washington last week.

CEAL President, Roberto J. Zamora, said ‘this agreement represents a great opportunity for a new era amid so many changes taking place in the world: politicians cannot solve problems alone, and neither can businesspeople.

‘If we come together to confront economic challenges and promote the development of our countries, it is a winning formula,’ he said.

‘Now, the important thing is to make this a reality; not to leave it at the signing of a protocol, but to move forward on issues of interest for economic development. And we are going to put it to the test with a very difficult task: Haiti.’

Haiti has been facing socio-economic and political problem following the assassination of its resident, Jovenelle Moise in July 2021. Since then efforts have been made to try and stabilise the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICCOM) country with the United Nations Security Council recently approving a resolution allowing for a Gang Suppression Force (GSF), a multinational security force to combat escalating gang violence.

Scoreboard of the third T20I between New Zealand and West Indies here on Saturday at Saxton Oval.

NEW ZEALAND

Devon Conway run out 56

Tim Robinson c and b Forde 23

Rachin Ravindra c Forde b Shepherd 26

Daryl Mitchell c Springer b Holder 41

Michael Bracewell run out 11

James Neesham b Forde 2

*Mitchell Santner c Auguste b Springer 4

+Mitchell Hay c Powell b Holder 2

Kyle Jamieson run out 4

Ish Sodhi not out 1

Jacob Duffy not out 2

Extras (lb1, nb1, w3) 5

TOTAL (nine wickets; 20 overs) 177

Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-97, 3-114, 4-144, 5-150, 6-159, 7-168, 8-169, 9-175.

Bowling: Hosein 4-0-50-0, Forde 4-0-20-2, Shepherd 3-0-23-1, Athanaze 1-0-16-0, Holder 4-0-31-2, Springer 4-0-36-1.

WEST INDIES

Alick Athanaze c +Hay b Sodhi 31

Amir Jangoo b Duffy 5

*+Shai Hope c Robinson b Duffy 1

Ackeem Auguste run out 24

Sherfane Rutherford c Sodhi b Bracewell 2

Rovman Powell b Sodhi 2

Jason Holder c Robinson b Santner 3

Romario Shepherd c Mitchell b Jamieson 49

Matthew Forde lbw b Sodhi 4

Shamar Springer c and b Duffy 39

Akeal Hosein not out 1

Extras (b1, lb1, w5) 7

TOTAL (all out; 19.5 overs) 168

Fall of wickets: 1-13, 2-15, 3-53, 4-60, 5-68, 6-68, 7-83, 8-88, 9-166, 10-168.

Bowling: Jamieson 3.5-0-35-1, Duffy 4-0-36-3, Bracewell 2-0-7-1, Sodhi 4-0-34-3, Santner 4-0-29-1, Neesham 2-0-25-0.

Toss: New Zealand elected to bat.

Player-of-the-Match: Ish Sodhi.

Result: New Zealand won by nine runs to lead the three-match series 2-1.

Umpires: Chris Brown, Shaun Haig.

TV Umpire: Kim Cotton.

Reserve Umpire: Wayne Knights.

Match Referee: Phil Whitticase.

The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) will lead regional representation at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held Belém, Brazil.

The CCCCC will host the CARICOM Pavilion, a dedicated space for Caribbean nations to engage global stakeholders and advocate for climate justice and sustainable development. The Pavilion will also host a variety of side events led by Caribbean governments and partners, providing a platform to learn more about regional climate action and collaborative solutions.

The CCCCC’s participation underscores the Caribbean’s commitment to advancing climate resilience, sustainable development, and regional cooperation in addressing climate change.

In a statement, the CCCCC said the Caribbean is highly vulnerable to climate impacts such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, stronger hurricanes, increased droughts, and flooding continues to advocate for urgent international support and innovative solutions.

At COP30, the CCCCC aims to Highlight the Caribbean’s progress and challenges in climate adaptation and mitigation; strengthen partnerships with global stakeholders,including UN agencies, financial institutions, and climate research networks; showcase regional initiatives in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and blue economy solutions; amplify the voices of Caribbean communities most affected by climate change, ensuring that their perspectives shape global climate policies.

Dr. Mark Bynoe Director Business Strategy and Regional Coordination, shared – ‘The Caribbean is on the frontline of climate change. With extreme weather events growing stronger and more frequent, and global action still falling short, COP30 is more than another conference. It is a critical moment for our region to demand urgent support and highlight the innovative solutions we are already implementing. We are committed to ensuring that the Caribbean’s voice is heard, and that international partners recognize the importance of supporting climate resilience in our communities.’

At the CARICOM Pavilion, visitors can engage with experts, discover key initiatives, and participate in interactive discussions on building climate resilience. The CCCCC is committed to delivering its mandate of serving our CARICOM Member States and their citizens; to build resilience across our region and to secure the future of all our people.

The police have launched an investigation following a robbery early Sunday of a church in the capital – the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima.

According to initial reports , the thieves gained entry by forcefully breaking through the entrance door of the church building.

The church in a post on social media stated that once inside, they ransacked cupboards and the parish vault, leaving the area in complete disarray.

The shop was also vandalized and rummaged through, with several items disturbed and some appearing to have been taken.

Parish officials say they are currently assessing the extent of the loss and damages sustained.

This is not the first time the parish has been targeted.

In September 2024, a similar incident occurred, leaving parishioners deeply concerned about the safety and sanctity of their place of worship.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field against West Indies in the fourth T20I here on Sunday at Saxton Oval.

West Indies have made one change with Roston Chase replacing Akeal Hosein, while New Zealand has also made a solitary change with Mark Chapman coming in for Mitchell Hay.

SQUADS

WEST INDIES: Shai Hope (captain), Alick Athanaze, Amir Jangoo, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Ackeem Auguste, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Shamar Springer.

NEW ZEALAND: Mitchell Santner (captain), Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Ish Sodhi, Jimmy Neesham, Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy.

Umpires: Kim Cotton, Wayne Knights.

TV Umpire: Shaun Haig.

Reserve Umpire: Chris Brown.

Match Referee: Phil Whitticase.

Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke on Saturday paid tribute on the passing of Jamaica Consul General to New York Alsion Roach-Wilson.

Roach-Wilson died at her home in New York on Saturday.

‘On behalf of the people of New York’s 9th Congressional District, the Clarke family, and myself, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Omar, and to the family, colleagues, staff, and loved ones of the Hon. Alsion Roach-Wilson, CD, upon learning of her passing early this morning,’ said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, whose 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, is overwhelmingly Caribbean.

‘On a very personal note, I am extremely heartbroken by the news of the passing of my dear friend and sister, Alsion Roach-Wilson,’ added Clarke, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus. ‘Beyond her distinguished service to the Jamaican people, Caribbean-American and diplomatic communities, Alsion was someone whose spirit radiated warmth, compassion, and authenticity, above all else to others. She was, indeed, my sister in service.

‘In her role as Consul General, Alsion served with extraordinary dedication and pride,’ the congresswoman continued. ‘She was a tireless champion for the Jamaican National community and its Diaspora, always willing to listen, advocate, and fight for the needs of the community.

‘She has left a lasting legacy through her tireless body of work in national development in education, technology, and healthcare,’ she said. ‘But it was her kindness, humility, and generosity, reflected through her philanthropic work, that defined her most.’

Clarke said she will ‘cherish the memories’ of their conversations, their shared commitment to their Caribbean heritage, ‘and the laughter along the way.

‘May we honor Alsion’s legacy by continuing to serve with the same love, passion and devotion she embodied,’ she said. ‘And may her soul rest in eternal and perfect peace.

‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,’ added Clarke, quoting Matthew 25:23.

In a post on the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York Facebook page, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Akamai a Johnson Smith said Roach-Wilson ‘served Jamaica at the highest level of excellence during her tenure from July 2019 to present.

‘She was recently conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander, by the Government of Jamaica, a fitting recognition of her work and impact,’ Johnson Smith said. ‘She was a warm and generous human being who exemplified professionalism, loyalty to country and friendship to the world.

‘On behalf of the Government of Jamaica and its people, including the Diaspora in the United States, I extend deepest condolences to her husband and the rest of the family,’ she added. ‘May her soul rest in eternal peace.’

Juliet Holness – currently serving as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Member for St. Andrew East Rural in Jamaica, and who is the wife of Prime Minister Andrew Holness – also said in a Facebook post that she was ‘deeply saddened by the passing of Alison Roach Wilson, a dear friend, and Consul General of Jamaica to New York.

‘Alsion was a true ambassador for Jamaica – her warmth, professionalism, and tireless advocacy for our people in the Diaspora reflected her deep commitment to national service,’ Mrs. Holness said. ‘Through her leadership, she strengthened connections between Jamaicans abroad and at home, always representing our country with dignity and pride.

‘Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her and those she served with such dedication,’ she added. ‘My deepest condolences go out to her family, loved ones, and the Jamaican community she worked so passionately to uplift.

‘May her soul find eternal rest, and may her legacy of service and compassion live on in all of us,’ Holness said.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, has again sought to clear the air on the ongoing extradition case involving the Mohammeds, explaining that the withdrawal of tax-related charges by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) was a necessary legal adjustment under the terms of Guyana’s extradition treaty, not a political act.

Last week, the GRA withdrew and discontinued tax-related charges against the leader of the main opposition We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed.

No reasons were given for the decision of the GRA to withdraw the charges against Mohamed and his father, the billionaire businessmen Nazar Mohamed of Mohamed’s Enterprise.

On Saturday the Attorney General told the Department of Public Information (DPI), that the decision has been widely misunderstood, noting that the public discourse on the issue has been ‘dominated and polluted’ by misinformation.

‘It is an accepted and well-established principle of extradition law that domestic arrangements sometimes have to be adjusted to facilitate extradition,’ Nandlall explained.

‘All countries are required to do it. It is part of our treaty. The charges could not proceed here while an extradition request was active for the same or related offences.’

He clarified that the charges filed by the GRA were criminal.

‘These are criminal charges. If a person goes to jail, the taxes are not recovered,’ he said, explanning that ‘The state has a range of other legal remedies to recover outstanding sums, and that process is already underway. An assessment of approximately GUY$191 billion has been completed, and the law provides a path for recovery through civil means.’

Addressing claims that the extradition process is politically motivated, Minister Nandlall firmly rejected the assertion.

‘The two subjects of the extradition request were not politicians when these things happened,’ he said, before stating, ‘The offences charged are not political in any form or fashion. The political narrative came after the sanctions were issued, and one of the subjects entered politics. That was a deliberate choice, and now politics is being used as a shield.’

He emphasised that the United States Government initiated the extradition process, and therefore any claim of political motivation would have to be directed to the US, not to the Government of Guyana.

‘If political reasons are being advanced, they would have to be associated with the United States,’ he stated. ‘Let them say what political relationship exists there. It has nothing to do with the Government of Guyana.’

The Attorney General also clarified a key point that has been widely misunderstood. He made it clear that the prosecutors appearing in the matter represent the Government of the United States, not the Government of Guyana.

‘That fact is not yet appreciated.The Jamaican attorneys who are in court are representing the interests of the U.S. Government. This is standard practice. When we requested the extradition of Marcus Bisram from the U.S., the U.S. Attorney’s Office represented Guyana’s interest there. It’s a reciprocal arrangement’, Nandlall said.

He said this demonstrates international mutuality and respect, adding that the Government of Guyana’s role is to ensure the process aligns with treaty obligations, domestic legislation, and constitutional safeguards.

Turning to concerns about alleged constitutional violations, the Attorney General described the ongoing proceedings as sui generis: a special class of inquiry that does not amount to a criminal trial in Guyana.

‘Extradition proceedings are not criminal trials. No one is being charged here for an offence in Guyana.The Constitution expressly recognises extradition as a lawful exception under the right to liberty provisions. The process allows a person to be held pending surrender, not because they’ve been convicted, but because the law requires custody before extradition.’

He stressed that the right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence apply when an individual is charged and tried in Guyana.

‘The trial, if it happens, will take place in the requesting country. That’s why this process exists, to determine whether the request meets the legal and treaty requirements’, he said.

The attorney general reiterated that extradition is a routine legal mechanism, not a political spectacle.

‘If this were an ordinary case, it would have gone through the courts quietly,’ he said, stating before that, ‘Because of who is involved, there’s heightened attention. But legally, this is a standard process, guided by law, treaties, and the principles of fairness and reciprocity.’

The Sandals Foundation has injected J$6-million worth of equipment and resources to help the Corporate Area based Bustamante Hospital for Children accept and care for the critically ill neonates, babies, and children who are being transferred to the institution from areas that were ravaged by Hurricane Melissa.

A suite of machines and supplies, including a neonatal ventilator, infusion pump, blood gas analyser, catheter, blood pressure machine, humidifier, nebuliser/ suction machine, IV Pole, exam light and more, have been purchased by the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International – building the capacity of the island’s only specialist paediatric hospital.

‘Four of our island’s major paediatric centres have been affected by the hurricane, so here at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, we have made a commitment that we will take the paediatric surgical patients, because we have the surgical specialists, the neonates, and any other sub-specialties such as cardiology, renal patients, and more,’ said Chief Medical Officer at the Bustamante Hospital for Children Dr Michelle-Ann Dawson.

‘It’s going to be difficult for parents because some may have to be separated temporarily from their families, but we are also looking at how we can support the parents with care packages, with information, dialogue, and psychological support,’ Dawson said .

Within days of the island being hit by the category 5 storm, members of the philanthropic organisation were in dialogue with the Ministry of Health and Wellness to determine critical resources needed to strengthen the services and capacity that were anticipated.

Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clake, said, ‘Our children and healthcare are two areas that resonate with us, especially in times of emergency. Being able to work alongside the Ministry of Health and our doctors and nurses that are working round the clock to serve those most affected – we are very pleased to be able to hand over this equipment that we hope will help in the weeks ahead until our other hospitals are able to recover.’

‘We are happy that with your donations yesterday, we were able to give the best care to a preterm neonate 26 weeks gestation weighing only 830g that we accepted last night,’ she said.

The Bustamante Hospital for Children is the only specialist paediatric hospital in the English-speaking Caribbean and Jamaica’s major referral hospital.

The institution, which serves patients 0-12 years old, provides a wide range of services including cardiology, neurology, asthma/respiratory, nephrology, neurosurgery, urology, ophthalmology, cardio-thoracic, and dental.

According to Dr Sharon McLean-Salmon, paediatric haematologist oncologist, the donated supplies will also enhance the care of patients with cancers and serious blood disorders.

‘We have received two equipment which are essential for our team in terms of managing patients who are affected with cancer and who need intense monitoring to ensure that they are stable and doing well while receiving lifesaving treatment.’

Approximately 1.5 million Jamaicans have been impacted by the Category 5 storm, with seven parishes being the most significantly affected.

The Bustamante Hospital will provide a place of refuge for patients from the paediatric centres at the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland, the Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth, Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James, and the Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny.