Category: CANA News

Attorney-at-law Jaundy Martin was sworn in on Friday as Attorney General of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for a second time, replacing Grenville Williams, who is expected to be formally nominated on Monday as a candidate in the November 27 general election.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at Government House and presided over by Governor General Dame Susan Dougan.

Martin previously served as Attorney General for five years before demitting office on November 4, 2022. He is expected to serve in the role only until a new Attorney General is appointed following the election.

During his previous tenure, Martin held the office when Cabinet imposed the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in November 2021, which led to hundreds of public sector workers losing their jobs for refusing vaccination. While the public sector union initially won a legal challenge in the High Court, the ruling was later overturned by the Court of Appeal.

Next week, the appellate court will hear arguments on whether the dispute should be sent to the London-based Privy Council, SVG’s highest court, for final determination.

Williams, who assumed the post of Attorney General on November 4, 2022, is stepping down as he seeks elected office for the first time. He will contest the upcoming poll as a candidate for the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), facing the New Democratic Party’s Nigel ‘Nature’ Stephenson, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term.

The ULP is aiming to secure an unprecedented sixth straight term in office, having last won the general election in 2020.

Vincentians are being encouraged to place stronger emphasis on education as part of efforts to drive national development. The call came from Dennis Gaymes, Council Member of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Chamber of Industry and Commerce, during the launch and signing of a new partnership agreement between the Chamber and DeVry University.

Gaymes hailed the agreement as a significant step towards strengthening the country’s human capital and advancing economic transformation. He urged citizens – especially young professionals – to engage with the Chamber and take advantage of opportunities under its Bridge to Brilliance programme.

Through the partnership, Chamber members and the wider Vincentian community will have access to DeVry University’s online certificate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes.

‘Technology is moving faster than ever before. As new innovations and applications emerge, it’s more critical than ever to build a resilient global workforce with the skills needed to thrive,’ noted Scarlett Howery, vice president of Strategic Partnerships at DeVry University.

‘Creating access to education is a critical first step. That’s why we are proud to partner with SVGCIC to help build stronger global talent pipelines and expand educational access across the Caribbean.’

Guyana has been elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the first time in 50 years, marking a historic moment for the country’s leadership in global education, science, culture, and communication. The election of new board members took place on Friday during the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, currently being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Guyana’s election grants it a key role in shaping international standards and advancing collaborative solutions among UNESCO’s 194 member states.

In a statement, the Ministry of Education described the achievement as ‘a proud moment for Guyana,’ underscoring that the country’s representation on the board ‘provides an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s mandate of promoting peace and sustainable development through education, culture, science and information.’

During her address to the General Conference in Uzbekistan, Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, reaffirmed Guyana’s unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion in education.

‘The Government of Guyana continues to prioritise academic equality and access, ensuring that every child-regardless of geography or circumstance-can benefit from quality education,’ the Minister told the conference. She also highlighted Guyana’s efforts to preserve its rich cultural heritage while fostering creativity and cultural industries ‘as vital engines of economic growth and social cohesion.’

The Ministry of Education noted that the election aligns with the UNESCO Constitution’s guiding philosophy that lasting peace must be built ‘upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind.’

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has also reaffirmed Guyana’s dedication to advancing education as a foundation for sustainable development.

‘Guyana remains committed to Sustainable Development Goal number four, and inclusive and quality education for all,’ the President said recently. ‘We are adopting measures to narrow educational gaps, including introducing more in-person tutoring, reforming the national curriculum, expanding ICT use in education, and increasing access to both digital and non-digital learning resources.’

Guyana’s election to the UNESCO Executive Board strengthens its voice in global discussions and policy-making aimed at building inclusive, knowledge-based societies through education, science, culture, and communication.

Over 300,000 Haitians were repatriated from the neighboring Dominican Republic between January and October this year, representing a 72 percent increase when compared to the same period the previous year.

According to the General Directorate of Immigration (DGM) in the Dominican Republic, the figure reflects the strengthening of the Dominican government’s migration strategy, which has resulted in intensified interception operations throughout the country, with the support of citizen security forces. The DGM says its migration policy is based on deterring irregular migration flows, strengthening border controls, and implementing orderly return mechanisms.

The directorate also stated that the protection of human rights is a priority, with particular attention paid to minors, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched an investigation into an aircraft incident involving an Air Services Limited Cessna 208 Grand Caravan, registered as 8R-THR, which mistakenly landed at the site of the new Lumidpau Secondary School in Region Nine early Thursday . According to reports, the aircraft was en route to Karaudarnau in the South Rupununi when the pilot landed at the school compound – a non-designated area located a short distance from the Lumidpau airstrip.

During take-off, the plane reportedly struck and partially damaged the fence surrounding the newly constructed school.

Authorities have confirmed that no one was injured during the incident.

A resident, Dan Rickson, told reporters that the pilot appeared to be a Spanish-speaking national and may not have been familiar with the area.

‘The airstrip is just a short distance away from where the plane landed. It seems he didn’t realise it wasn’t the correct location,’ Rickson explained.

In a statement on Friday, the GCAA said the aircraft has since been grounded and the pilot suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Air Services Limited has also been formally notified of the probe.

‘The GCAA is dedicated to ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety,’ the Authority noted.

The investigation will seek to determine how the mislanding occurred and whether any procedural or navigational errors contributed to the incident.

The top United Nations development official in the region says nearly a third of Jamaica’s annual wealth has been wiped out by Hurricane Melissa. Kishan Khoday, Resident Representative for the UN Development Program (UNDP), told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York, via video conference, that approximately 1.5 million Jamaicans have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa – the worst climate disaster in the Caribbean nation’s history.

He said initial estimates of the damage added up to 30 per cent of Gross Domestic Product: ‘a figure that’s expected to rise.’

UNDP estimated that nearly five million metric tons of debris have been generated across western Jamaica following the devastating category 5 storm last week – equivalent to roughly 500,000 standard truckloads.

In addition, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said authorities have confirmed 32 deaths, while nearly 36,000 people urgently require food assistance, and more than 100,000 housing structures have been affected.

The UN said at least 30 communities are still cut off while electricity, telecommunications and even radio signals remain severely disrupted in some parishes.

The UN said Khoday told the story of one man he’d met called ‘Keith’, from New Hope in western Jamaica, who had sought shelter in a nearby structure as Melissa made landfall, kneeling behind plywood for hours as the storm raged.

‘When he emerged, he found his home, livelihood, and parts of his community in ruins,’ the UN said.

Khoday said Keith’s experience underscores ‘the harsh realities of the climate emergency, but was also a testament to Jamaicans’ resilience as they work toward recovery and rebuilding.’

The UN said more than 60 different organizations have joined the 16-member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team – part of the UN aid coordination office OCHA – as the aid operation continues under the direction of Jamaican authorities.

To support response and recovery efforts, the UN said UNDP has allocated an initial US$400,000 to assist with basic assessment work and provide early support to national partners.

Meanwhile, the UN said its World Food Program (WFP) is airlifting food from Barbados to support more than 6,000 households for up to a week.

In Cuba – which also suffered devastation, along with Haiti, due to the hurricane – the UN said around 120,000 people remain in shelters due to ongoing flooding, overflowing rivers, and landslides.

The UN also said that 29 communities remain isolated with extensive damage to housing, health facilities, and educational center

Haq said more than 45,0000 housing structures, nearly 500 health facilities and over 1,500 educational centers have also sustained damage in Cuba.

Afghanistan is set to host the West Indies for a T20I series just before the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced on Friday that the two teams will play three T20Is between January 19 and 22 in the United Arab Emirates, as part of their build up to the World Cup.

The Men’s T20 World Cup will take place from February 7 to March 8, 2026, and is being co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India. Following their 3-0 series sweep against Bangladesh last month, the West Indies are currently in the midst of a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is tied 1-1.

They will also face South Africa soon after the series against Afghanistan in January.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s next T20I outing will see them feature in a three-match T20I series against Qatar, beginning Saturday.

Chief executive officer of the ACB, Naseeb Khan said the series presents an important opportunity for Afghanistan to fine-tune their preparations for the global event set to be hosted in February-March.

‘Competing against the West Indies on the brink of a global event presents an excellent opportunity for our team to finalize their lineup and enhance their preparations for the upcoming mega event in India and Sri Lanka,’ Khan said.

Director of Cricket at Cricket West Indies, Miles Bascombe also welcomed the opportunity for the regional side to get additional practice ahead of the World Cup.

‘Facing strong opposition in subcontinental conditions will help us sharpen our combinations and approach, and it also gives our players a chance to build confidence on surfaces similar to those we’ll encounter in India and Sri Lanka,’ Bascombe said.

The Caribbean Court f Justice (CCJ) Friday reserved its judgement in the case in which the Trinidad and Tobago-based political analyst, Derek Ramsamooj, is challenging the conduct of the State of Suriname following his detention in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in 2020.

After two days of hearing arguments and submissions by lawyers for Ramsmooj as well as the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country and the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat, CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson, said that a ruling would be handed down at a later date. ‘We have benefitted from your written and oral submissions .I note that there are witnesses who gave evidence in this matter, we are grateful to you for your attendance,’ said Justice Anderson, who headed the five-member panel of judges that heard the matter.

‘We are of course reserving our opinion in this matter as you would imagine and we will let you know as soon as we have reached a decision so that we can notify you of the date of delivery,’ he added.

Ramsamooj, 64, who holds both Trinidad and Tobago and British passports, was summarily detained in Paramaribo in October 2020 and was not allowed to leave the country until September 2022. He suffers from a range of medical issues, including diabetes, hypertension, and severe coronary artery disease.

A presiding judge had ordered the authorities in Suriname to return his passports, noting that Ramsamooj had, at all times, demonstrated a willingness to support due process and had consistently stated his desire to clear his name through the legal routes.

The analyst, who has worked in several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis and who is the holder of a Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification, was told by Suriname police on October 6, 2020, that they only wanted a statement to support an inquiry into operations at the Surinamese Post Savings Bank (SPSB).

Ramsamooj conducted customer surveys for the SPSB and bank employee surveys, as well as two country risk assessments of Suriname, in his capacity as an analyst and researcher. The financial institution paid for the activities.

The CCJ, established in February 2001 to replace the London-based Privy Council, also acts as an international tribunal interpreting the Revised Treaty of the Chaguaramas, which governs the regional integration movement.

In his application to the CCJ, Ramsamooj is seeking several relief measures, including a declaration that Suriname infringed his right to freedom of movement as well as his right to provide services.

In addition, Ramsamooj wants a declaration that Suriname infringed his right not to be discriminated against on the ground of his nationality, as well as a declaration that Suriname breached its obligations under Article 9 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) that governs the 15-member regional integration movement, CARICOM.

The lawyers for the political analyst said that Suriname failed to ensure their client was not subjected to arbitrary imprisonment, denial of counsel, denial of adequate medical attention/or discrimination on the grounds of nationality or the several rights identified in the Charter of Civil Society.

In addition, Ramsamooj is seeking damages and costs.

Head coach of Jamaica’s national women’s basketball team, Oneil Brown is confident that they will do well at the upcoming Caribbean Women’s Basketball Championships (CBC).

The tournament is being played in Guyana and will run from November 12 to 16.

The Jamrockerz, as they are affectionately known, will come up against Suriname, The Bahamas, US Virgin Islands and Guyana, for one of the three qualifying spots to the 2026 CentroBasket Women’s Championships. Even though the team’s preparations were disrupted by the passing of Hurricane Melissa last week, Brown said the players were raring and ready to go.

‘I know we are gonna do well. Before Melissa, we were flowing the right way on the court and off the court; things were looking good.

‘After the hurricane and all, the first thing was to get the girls back in the right mental state of mind to play basketball. We are in a good spirit now, and we’re going to do good well,’ Brown said.

Brown revealed that the Jamaica Basketball Association would be announcing the final roster in the coming days.

Twenty of the players selected for the training camp were from the local Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), with two overseas-based players, one of whom is a naturalised player.

Jamaica lifted the CBC title back in 2014 when it was hosted in the US Virgin Islands, but they had a poor showing in the previous tournament, finishing at the foot of the table without a win.

Trinidad and Tobago’s all-time leading goalscorer, Stern John has called for Dwight Yorke to remain as head coach of the national side even if he fails to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

T and T currently sit third in Group B of the CONCACAF Qualifiers on five points, behind leaders Jamaica on nine points and second placed Curacao on eight points, with only the top two teams assured of an automatic spot in next year’s World Cup.

They will face Jamaica in a must-win fixture at home on November 13 in their penultimate game, with their final game coming five days later against winless Bermuda. Yorke was hired by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) in November 2024, and given a mandate to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

Speaking during an interview on Isports on i95.5 FM, John, the all-time Central American/Caribbean men’s top goal scorer in international football with 70 goals, said Yorke should not be dismissed if he fails in his bid to get them to the World Cup.

‘Of course, of course they should [ask him to stay on] because we need stability. We can’t just keep changing coaches every couple of months and sacking coaches. We need some kind of structure in our football again,’ John, the current head coach of Saint Lucia said.

However, he said he still believed T and T could cause an upset and defeat Jamaica in their crucial clash next Thursday.

John said while Jamaica will be driven to win to give their country something to cheer about following the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa, T and T had the quality to beat them at home.

‘We have to win. I think when you look back at the World Cup Qualifiers you have to make your house a fortress, you have to win your home games. And once you win your home games and pick up a couple points away from home then you can have a good chance of qualifying, but you need to win the home games. It’s important that you win the home games,’ John maintained.

‘It’s not going to be an easy game, obviously. Jamaica has a lot riding on this game too, because they want to go to the World Cup too and they were just devastated by this hurricane, so they have a lot to play for, a lot to prove, and they’re playing with a whole country behind them, but I think that at home we can turn them around, so hopefully we can do that.’