CRICKET-CWI-Roach called up for training camp ahead of Test series against New Zealand

Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach is among nine players who have been invited by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to take part in a two-week High-Performance preparation camp, as part of the build-up to the three-match Test series leg of the West Indies men’s tour to New Zealand.

The 37-year-old Roach, along with Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Tevin Imlach, Anderson Phillip, Johann Layne, Kevlon Anderson, John Campbell, Ojay Shields and Kavem Hodge, will take part in the camp, which is designed specifically for players who are expected to feature in the series and future international assignments.

With his inclusion, it now seems almost certain that Roach, who last played a Test match for the West Indies in January during the tour of Pakistan, will be called up to bolster the side’s bowling attack for the three-match Test series, which runs from December 2 to 22.

Roach has played 85 Test matches and taken 284 wickets, the fifth-most of all West Indian bowlers.

The camp, which will run from November 4 to 18 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG), will focus on technical and tactical refinement, match simulation, and mental readiness to adapt to New Zealand’s challenging conditions.

It will be led by head coach of the West Indies Academy, Ramesh Subasinghe, while assistant coach Rohan Nurse will oversee tactical and technical development.

CWI’s Senior Talent Manager, Jamal Smith, along with developing pathway coach, Shane Dowrich, will provide additional coaching and coordination support over the two-week period.

CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe said the camp would provide those players the opportunity to fine tune their skills ahead of the Test series.

‘This camp is designed to give players a focused opportunity to prepare for the specific challenges of playing in New Zealand.

‘For the batsmen, it’s about targeted work on areas where they’ve shown vulnerability and adapting to the conditions they’ll face. For the bowlers, it’s about managing their workloads effectively and identifying the lengths and areas that have proven successful in New Zealand,’ Bascombe said.

‘It’s a practical, purposeful camp – one that allows the group to refine key aspects of their game while building cohesion and clarity ahead of the tour. The goal is to make the most of this preparation window, so the players are ready to compete with confidence and intent.’

ANTIGUA-SECURITY-Defence force denies presence of US military on the island

The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) is denying reports of unauthorized American military activity on the island, saying that the presence of Canadian military officials are as a result of the planning process for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held here next year.

In a statement, the ABDF said that there has been ‘no confirmation or authorization of American soldiers conducting surveys or operations within the city of St. John’s or any other part of the island..

Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Botchwey, on her arrival in Antigua and Barbuda

‘The Canadian military personnel currently on island are present as part of ongoing collaborative planning and preparatory exercises in support of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting CHOGM 2026,’ the ABDF said, adding that the partnership between the two countries forms part of a broader framework of cooperation aimed at strengthening local readiness, coordination, and security planning in anticipation of the high-profile international event.

The ABDF reiterated its commitment to working closely with regional and international partners to ensure the safety, security, and smooth execution of CHOGM 2026.

‘The public is encouraged to rely on official communication channels of the ABDF for verified information and to refrain from spreading or acting upon unconfirmed reports,’ the statement said.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Secretary-General, Shirley Botchwey arrived here for the planning meeting saying ‘it is a pleasure to be in Antigua and Barbuda as we take the first steps on our shared journey towards CHOGM 2026.

‘I look forward to meeting leaders, young people, and communities here to celebrate the spirit of collaboration that drives us all, and to build momentum for a CHOGM that delivers real impact and shared prosperity across our 56 member states,’ she added.

During her visit, the Secretary-General will meet with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

‘Hosting CHOGM 2026 presents tremendous opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda, from strengthening trade and investment to building new partnerships across the Commonwealth. The Secretary-General’s visit helps set the stage for a successful summit that will deliver real benefits to our people,’ said Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Karen-Mae Hill.

GUYANA-POLITICS-Opposition party wants amendment to Representation of People’s Act

The minority opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has tabled a motion in the National Assembly seeking to amend the Representation of the People Act as a first move to have voters digitally verified before they are allowed to cast ballots in the 2030 general and regional elections.

‘This motion seeks to strengthen the integrity of Guyana’s electoral system by requiring biometric verification of voters at the time of voting. It is intended to prevent voter impersonation, reduce the need for extensive scrutineering by political parties, particularly smaller ones, and restore public confidence in the credibility of election outcomes,’ APNU parliamentarian, Dr Terrence Campbell, said in a letter to the Clerk of the National Assembly.

The National Assembly met for the first time on Monday since the Septemer1 regional and general election that resulted in the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) being returned to office for another five year term.

However, the APNU, which formed the main opposition in the last parliament lost that position to the newly formed We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), whose leader, Azrrudin Mohamed, is seeking to be sworn in as Opposition Leader.

In the motion, the APNU, whose main party is the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) that once governed the country, said that the use of modern biometric technologies, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, has proven effective in many democracies worldwide in preventing voter fraud and ensuring that only duly registered electors cast ballots;

The opposition party is hoping that the implementation of such technologies will reduce the administrative and financial burdens on political parties, while simultaneously enhancing the credibility, transparency, and integrity of elections in Guyana.

The motion also notes that the 2025 general and regional elections were similarly marred by allegations of voter impersonation and other irregularities which have called into question the integrity of the results, and smaller political parties, in particular, face significant challenges in recruiting, training, and remunerating scrutineers to monitor the voting process and guard against voter impersonation.

The opposition party wants the Irfaan Ali government to amend Section 69 of the Representation of the People Act, to include a new provision requiring that every voter, prior to casting his or her ballot, shall produce such additional evidence as may be determined by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to establish, by means of fingerprint or facial recognition, that the person is the registered voter whose name and voter identification number appear in the Official List of Electors.

It also calls on the government, in consultation with GECOM to take the necessary legislative, technical, and administrative steps to give effect to that amendment in time for the next regional and general elections.

The National Assembly on Monday adjourned without fixing a date for the next meeting.

CARIBBEAN-WEATHER-UN says nearly six million people in the Caribbean impacted by Hurricane Melissa

The United Nations says an estimated six million people have been affected by Hurricane Melissa, the category 5 storm which swept across the Caribbean last week, prompting UN agencies to scale up relief operations to safeguard livelihoods and reduce further losses.

The UN said Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica all suffered extensive damage and loss of life as a result of Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking from the Jamaican capital, Kingston, the UN’s World Food Programme’s (WFP) Alexis Masciarelli said the immediate priority is ‘to reach the most isolated communities’.

Communities in Jamaica are cleaning up following the passage of the hurricane last week

Masciarelli said WFP has launched emergency food distributions for the hardest-hit families, and that additional relief supplies are scheduled to arrive in the coming days.

WFP said the parish of St. Elizabeth – long regarded as the country’s breadbasket -has been particularly hard hit, with homes, farms, and livelihoods destroyed, and many communities still cut off and without power.

The UN said, so far, 1,500 people have received food kits containing rice, lentils, canned fish and meat, and vegetable oil, while an additional 2,000 kits were airlifted from Barbados to support ongoing relief efforts.

The UN said WFP plans to assist up to 200,000 people in Jamaica to meet urgent food needs.

In Cuba, the UN said Hurricane Melissa caused widespread flooding, power outages, and significant damage.

Food distributions have already reached 181,000 people evacuated to shelters, with the WFP aiming to assist a total of 900,000 people, the UN said, adding that in Haiti, homes and infrastructure along the southern coast – the hardest hit area – have been washed away.

The UN said emergency food distributions have reached 12,700 people across the Grand Sud region.

WFP said it plans to assist 190,000 people, offering a two-week food ration followed by a month of cash assistance to support recovery.

Masciarelli emphasised that the main challenge ahead is reaching people ‘in the last mile – those who need help the most in areas that remain inaccessible’.

In addition, he highlighted the ongoing communication breakdown, with many areas still cut off after the hurricane, making it difficult to assess people’s needs and track the situation day by day.

Reiterating WFP’s commitment to meeting people’s food needs and supporting relief efforts, the WFP spokesperson recognized that the recovery period would most likely be a ‘very long marathon recovery period’.

Last Wednesday, WFP launched an urgent appeal for US$74 million to deliver life-saving assistance to up to 1.1 million people across the Caribbean.

GUYANA-FINANCE-Global environment hampering overall oil and rice prices

The Guyana government says the global environment is impacting the revenue of the oil and rice industries, but remain confident that the country’s economic projections would be met.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh during the first sitting of the Parliament following the September 1 regional and general election, tabled the mid-year economic report showing that the international environment was having an effect on the industries.

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh tabling the economic mid year report during the first sitting of Parliament on Monday.

According to the report, the country’s oil revenues barely increased during the first half of this year due to a reduction in international oil prices, even as the sector is projected to grow this year with the start of production by the floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel at Yellowtail in the Stabroek Block.

‘Crude oil prices are anticipated to come in at 15.7 per cent below the 2024 level, to average US$68 per barrel in 2025, lower than the US$71.9 per barrel projected at the time of preparing Budget 2025,’ according to the mid-year report.

The actual Brent crude futures on Monday rose 12 cents to US$64.89 per barrel. Morgan Stanley raised its Brent crude forecast for the first half of 2026 to US$60 a barrel from US$57.50, citing the decision by OPEC+ to pause quota hikes in the first quarter of next year and recently on Russian oil assets.

The mid-year report notes that in addition to the overall projected 15.6 per cent growth in the oil sector due to earlier-than-anticipated production at Yellowtail, output would result in Guyana projecting to increase the number of lifts of profit oil from 31 to 33.

As a result of that, Guyana’s petroleum deposits for the year are now projected to total US$2,512.4 million, only marginally higher than the US$2,503 million projected at the time of preparing the 2025 National Budget, ‘on account of lower crude oil prices’.

In terms of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF), the mid-year report states that US$2,463.9 million is expected to be withdrawn from the fund this year and as a result, the NRF closing balance is estimated to stand at US$3,248.8 million at the end of this year.

The mid-year report states that the oil and gas industry is estimated to have expanded by 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2025. Production in the first six months of the year totalled 115.7 million barrels, compared with 113.5 million barrels over the same period last year.

With the three producing projects in the Stabroek Block, the mid-year report states that the daily production averaged nearly 640,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the first half of this year, compared with approximately 624,000 bpd in the first half of last year.

It report further states that the moderation in the production rate on the Destiny FPSO from about 157,000 bpd last year, to 142,000 bpd this year, was offset by increased production rates on the Unity and Prosperity FPSOs to 246,000 bpd and 252,000 bpd, respectively.

With regards to the rice industry, the mid-year report notes that while efforts are continuing to secue markets in Mexico and Saudi Arabia, the international price of the grain is expected to slump far below government’s projections.

According to the document, rice prices are also expected to decline, averaging US$406 per metric tonne this year, 31 per cent lower year-on-year, and markedly lower than the US$530 per metric tonne projected at the time of preparing the 2025 National Budget.

At the same time, the mid-year economic report states that the production target for the full year remains 804,000 tonnes of rice equivalent, with a growth target of 12.4 percent, buttressed by continued support to farmers and renewed efforts to secure new and more attractive markets.

The mid-year economic report also states that rice prices declined by 30.5 per cent during January to June this year, averaging US$434.2 per metric tonne, on account of growing production and unlocked inventories in major exporting countries such as India, with additional downward pressure from a new harvest in Vietnam.

According to the mid-year report, the rice growing industry is estimated to have grown by 13.9 percent in the first half of 2025.

It said that the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reported production of 410,194 tonnes of rice equivalent in the first six months of this year, compared with 362,030 tonnes in the first half of 2024.

On account of favourable weather conditions, the mid-year report says the yield achieved for the first crop of 2025 was 6.6 tonnes per hectare, aligning with what was achieved in the first crop of last year.

The government said it provided fertiliser support of two billion Guyana dollars (One Guyana dollar=US$0.004 cents) to nearly 5,300 farmers.

Pesticide support was also provided to manage the paddy for bug infestation benefiting over 2,352 farmers, at the end of June.

BAHAMAS-DEATH-PM heartbroken by death of student in Panama

-Prime Minister Phillip Davis, says he is ‘heartbroken’ after 16 year-old Saint Augustine’s College student, Madeline Thompson, plunged to her death after she fell from the 27th floor of a hotel while attending an international robotics competition in Central America over the last weekend.

‘Ann and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Madeline Thompson, a bright and beloved student of St. Augustine’s College, whose life ended far too soon while representing her school and country in Panama,’ Davis said in a statement posted on social media.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, Jerome and Shenique Thompson, her family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire St. Augustine’s College community.

We can only imagine the pain and grief they are enduring in this unimaginable moment.’

The St Augustine’s College had confirmed the death of the student during a school trip to Panama City, where the school was participating in the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge.

‘It is with the deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that St Augustine’s College confirms the tragic passing of one of our students in Panama City,’ the school said in a statement, adding that the delegation was accompanied by a parent, a chaperone, the principal, and members of the faculty..

‘The loss is felt profoundly by our entire school family. Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with the student’s family, loved ones, classmates, teachers, and all who are grieving during this unimaginable time,’ the statement added.

The school said it is in close communication with Panamanian authorities and is providing support where needed.

The media in Panama said that the incident occurred last Friday when the teenager fell from the 27th floor to the 12th landing in the hotel’s social area where the pool is located. Local reports said she was sharing a room with two classmates at the time.

Prime Minister Davis said the student was known for her kindness, her faith, and her spirit of service qualities that shone through in her volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Parish Soup Kitchen and in every space she touched.

‘Her light brought warmth to many and will be deeply missed. Ann and I pray that God grants her family strength and comfort in the days ahead, and that her memory lives on as a reminder of the goodness, promise, and hope that define the best of our Bahamian youth.’

Director General of Foreign Affairs, Jerusa Ali, said that Bahamian officials are in touch with government officials in Panama.

‘It’s really a tragedy. We are in contact with the organizers of the event, it was a robotics event for school-age children. We’re also in contact with our honorary council in Panama who’s spoken with Panamanian officials and who’s spoken with the family of Ms. Thompson,’ Ali said.

‘We have a network of honorary councils, including one in Panama, who we rely on for consular assistance when we have a death of a Bahamian national or somebody who’s

The St Joseph’s Parish here described the student as a ‘cherished member of our parish family who served faithfully at the St Joseph’s Soup Kitchen every Saturday.

‘Her kind heart, gentle spirit, and willingness to help others reflected the love of Christ in all she did,’ the St. Joseph Parish said in a statement, adding ‘we join her parents.loved ones, and the entire St Augustine’s College community in mourning this heartbreaking loss’.

ANTIGUA-POLITICS-Commonwealth secretary general optimistic about the success of CHOGM next year

Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Tuesday said that next year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) provides an opportunity for accelerating partnerships and investment for the 56-member grouping.

Addressing the launch of the CHOGM, which will be held here from November 1-4, Botchwey said the event provides also an opportunity for the leaders of one-third of the global community to come together to discuss the world’s challenges and to shape its future.

‘Each CHOGM is a reflection of its time, and the next one, in 2026, will be a turning point. We gather at a moment of extraordinary global strain. The multilateral system is under pressure. Trust is fraying. Climate impacts are intensifying. Debt and inequality weigh heavily.

Commonwealth Secretary General, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Tuesday addressing the launch of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Confference to be held in Antigua next year.

‘And yet, amid all this turbulence, the Commonwealth endures, as a force for connection, for conscience, and for cooperation,’ she added.

She said that the CHOGM matters deeply because the world needs what the gruping offers, namely ‘a spirit of fraternity that bridges divides; a platform where nations large and small, developed and developing, speak and act as equals; and a community that has always believed that progress for one must mean progress for all.

‘As we look ahead to St John’s 2026, we do so with a clear purpose to make this CHOGM more decisive and impactful than ever before,’ she said, noting that the theme ‘Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth,’ offers us the platform to achieve that.

‘It captures the spirit of partnership and enterprise that defines the modern Commonwealth. Because we are building bridges of opportunity between governments and business, between people and ideas, to deliver tangible results for our citizens. This must be a summit of delivery: rooted in our shared plan, and focused on the issues that bind us, democracy, trade, climate action, and opportunity for all.’

Botchwey said that in every region, democracy is under strain, yet the Commonwealth’s commitment to it is unshakeable.

‘We will work together to renew it not only as a system of government, but a living reality in people’s lives,’ she said, noting also that trade and investment , remains the lifeblood of prosperity.

‘Our shared language, legal systems and trust mean that trade among Commonwealth countries is on average 21 per cent cheaper. That is our Commonwealth advantage and my mission is to turn that advantage into growth, resilience, and jobs across all our regions.

‘The road to CHOGM will therefore focus on building deeper trade and investment partnerships, especially those that unlock the potential of our small and vulnerable states.’

Botchwey, a native of Ghana, who became the first African woman to be elected to the post when she assumed office in April this year, said that the issue of climate change is very important to the grouping ‘because no other issue will shape our collective future more profoundly.

‘From here in the Caribbean to the Pacific, from Africa to the Arctic, Commonwealth nations are on the frontlines of climate impacts. We must stand together to mobilise finance, drive the clean energy transition, and protect the security and dignity of our people.’

She said the Commonwealth is also providing an opportunity for women, young people, and communities everywhere.

‘A renewed Commonwealth must be a Commonwealth of inclusion, one that unleashes the ideas, energy and innovation of our 2.7 billion citizens,’ she said, adding that ‘this journey to CHOGM 2026 is also a journey of reform.

‘We are modernising the way CHOGM works to ensure that it delivers not just declarations, but decisions that make a tangible difference in the lives of our people. I am determined that when leaders gather here, they will leave with a shared sense of achievement and a renewed commitment to stand and work together.’.

She said that a Commonwealth renewed in purpose, confident in its identity, and ambitious in its vision for the world is what that is being set out on the road to CHOGM 2026.

Meanwhile, former West Indies cricket captain and Antigua and Barbuda National Hero, Sir Vivian Richards has been announced as the CHOGM 2026 Envoy.

‘To have the entire Commonwealth family gather here in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026 will make it more than a meeting. It will be a statement and a moment of immense pride for the hospitable people of our small islands.

‘We look forward to showcasing that the same spirit which drove us to success on the cricket pitch still runs strong in our people, our culture, and the future we want to collectively build with 56 Commonwealth countries. We are ready to welcome the Commonwealth and its leaders – with passion, a

HAITI-WEATHER-UN says at least 30 people are dead in Haiti following passage of Melissa

The United Nations Tuesday said that at least 30 people have died as a result of Hurricane Melissa when it caused widespread damage in Haiti last week.

The UN Deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told the daily UN briefing that the UN and its partners ‘continue to carry out assessments of the damage wreaked by Hurricane Melissa and are ramping up our efforts to reach people in need.

‘According to the authorities, at least 30 people have died,’ he said, adding that joint assessments by the Haitian government, the UN and ‘our humanitarian partners continue in the Grand ‘Anse department and will expand to other affected departments in the coming days.

‘Despite a severe lack of funding, access challenges and logistical conditions, we and our partners remain committed to stay and deliver life-saving assistance to those most in need,’ Haq said, adding that United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to work closely with authorities and partners to ensure ‘a coherent, efficient and well-coordinated response, facilitating information sharing and supporting collective efforts to reach affected populations’

He said that the US$908 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is just over 21 per cent funded, with US$195 million received so far.

Haq said with regards to Jamaica, OCHA reports that more than 1.5 million people – over half of the country’s population – have been affected, facing the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

‘OCHA tells us that infrastructure has been severely damaged. More than 130 roads have been blocked, while power and communication networks have been disrupted. Access to some western parishes remains difficult due to roads being blocked by debris as well as fuel shortages.

‘We and our humanitarian partners continue to support the government’s efforts to restore access, strengthen health surveillance and ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need.’

Haq said that health services are under heavy strain and that several hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed, including the hospital in the town of Black River.

He said this has prompted the deployment of an emergency medical team from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with further support planned.

‘PAHO has also deployed a mental health and psychosocial support specialist to support children and health workers. Hospitals report having only a few days’ worth of food supplies, as well as critical shortages of water and fuel for electricity, which are affecting their ability to deliver care.’

Haq said that the World Food Programme estimates that up to 360,000 people may require food assistance. Meanwhile, UNICEF and its partners are working to restore safe water and sanitation services, particularly in shelters and affected communities.

ST. LUCIA-FINANCE-Taiwan providing funding for housing and infrastructure projects in St Lucia

The St. Lucia government Tuesday said that it has received approval for a US$20 million loan facility from the Export-Import Bank of Taiwan (Eximbank) to expand access to affordable housing and strengthen essential community infrastructure.

The facility, to be on-lent through the St. Lucia Development Bank (SLDB), will help low- to medium-income St. Lucians build or improve their homes, while financing housing infrastructure such as solar PV systems, drainage upgrades, and water tanks, ensuring that new developments are modern, climate-resilient, and sustainable.

Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre

A government statement said that the Exim-Bank facility builds on a series of major housing initiatives already underway including the EC$54 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) NIC-guaranteed SLDB housing loan facility approved by the Parliament in September last year and providing eligible public servants with 100 per cent loan financing.

It also allows for an EC$1,000 grant toward legal fees and a stamp-duty waiver on the first EC$400,000 of residential loans.

The government is also providing EC$10 million National Housing Project and reinstated the two million dollar Distress Fund assists families affected by fires and natural disasters.

The government has also removed the value added tax (VAT) on selected building materials, including cement, lumber, and galvanise, to lower construction and renovation costs.

‘Through smart financing, targeted investment, and practical social support, the government of St. Lucia is incrementally removing the barriers that have kept many families from owning a home and building a housing framework that delivers real, lasting results,’ the statement said.

CARIBBEAN-SECURITY-OECS countries reiterate call for the Caribbean to be a zone of peace

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Tuesday expressed ‘deep concern’ regarding it described as ‘recent reports of intensified military operations by external powers in the southern Caribbean Sea’.

The sub-regional grouping of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and St. Kitts and Nevis , said they were also concerned over reports of the ‘destruction of vessels alleged to be involved in narcotics trafficking without interception or verification in contravention of international law.

‘While our governments remain firmly committed to regional and international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, including drug trafficking, we are equally committed to the preservation of the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace – a principle solemnly affirmed by the Heads of Government of our region and supported by the United Nations General Assembly’

The OECS countries said that they are ‘therefore concerned that heightened military activities in and around the Southern Caribbean risk escalating tensions and misunderstandings in a region whose stability and security are essential to the well-being of our peoples.

‘Actions undertaken without adequate consultation or communication with regional partners risk creating misunderstandings and tensions and may inadvertently embroil the entire Caribbean in a wider confrontation, undermining decades of careful diplomacy and peaceful coexistence.

‘We are deeply concerned about the indisputable impact of any potential military action on our small, vulnerable societies and economies and the erosion of the hard-won gains over the past decades,’ the OECS countries said.

In recent weeks, the Donald Trump administration has been building up a military presence off the coast of Venezuela allegedly as part of its fight against the illegal shipment of drugs to the United States. Washington has confirmed that it has bombed several vessels, killing all but two people, in recent times as it puts its policy into action.

But Caracas says the action is part of the plan to oust President Nicolas Maduro from office.

The United Nations UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also strongly condemned airstrikes carried out by the United States against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific.

Volker Trk said in a statement that the strikes ‘violate international human rights law’, demanding that they be stopped immediately.

Among those reportedly killed are two Trinidad and Tobago nationals, but Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar has reiterated her full support for President Donald Trump’s move to violently kill drug traffickers.

In their statement, the OECS countries said they were reaffirming that ‘peace and dialogue must remain the cornerstone of regional and hemispheric relations’ as well as ‘respect for sovereignty and non-interference are essential to maintaining trust and stability.’

They are also insisting that ‘collective security and cooperation are the most effective means of combating organised crime and ensuring the safety of our maritime space.

‘We therefore urge all partners to engage in open consultation with the Caribbean Community and the OECS before any initiative that could alter the regional security balance. The Caribbean’s greatest strength has always been its unity, its diplomacy, and its steadfast commitment to resolving differences through peaceful means,’ the OECS countries added.