Category: CANA News

Two Caribbean nationals have been selected to participate in the United Nations Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.

The National Community Foundation (NCF) said its Executive Director Vanya Reid-Hinkson and a Jamaican national are among nine fellows selected globally for the 2025 cohort and tat their selection speaks to the Caribbean’s enduring resilience and commitment to advancing equitable development, inclusion, and social justice across the region.

‘This fellowship is both an honour and a responsibility. It provides an opportunity to represent Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean in the global conversation on equality and human development.

‘The lessons from this experience will help strengthen how we, as communities and institutions, respond to the needs of our people with fairness, compassion, and accountability,’ said Reid-Hinkson.

The Fellowship Programme was initiated by the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section in 2011 and was further supported by General Assembly resolution on the Programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

It is an annual, intensive human rights training programme in Geneva for individuals from the diaspora who are actively promoting the rights of people of African descent.

The goal is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of international human rights law, strengthen their skills in advocacy, and give them hands-on experience with UN human rights mechanisms. The programme covers return airfare, living expenses, and basic health insurance for the duration of the training.

Fellows will participate in an intensive three-week programme at the United Nations Office in Geneva, engaging with experts, international organisations, and permanent missions, while developing practical projects that address the specific needs of their countries.

As part of her fellowship, Reid-Hinkson will focus on strengthening national mechanisms for human rights education, community empowerment, and policy accountability – areas that align closely with Saint Lucia’s development goals and ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, social protection, and citizen participation.

The NCF said it views this fellowship as a valuable opportunity to deepen partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector, reaffirming its mission to uphold dignity, equity, and inclusion as pillars of sustainable national development.

The wait is nearly over for racing enthusiasts across Jamaica, as live horse racing is officially set to resume at Caymanas Park on November 15.

With the facilities set to be some 60 per cent ready, the organisers of racing in Jamaica, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), said they will be ready to open the Park and have live racing off and running again, despite challenges with full electrical power.

The announcement has sent a wave of anticipation through the sporting community, signalling a triumphant return to normalcy for the beloved industry.

After a prolonged hiatus, the historic track is preparing for a month of packed action.

The November calendar is stacked with high-profile events. The action kicks off with the United Racehorse Trainers’ Association of Jamaica race day on November 15.

The excitement escalates immediately with the prestigious Jamaica Cup slated for November 16. This marquee event is sure to draw the country’s top contenders, setting the stage for a thrilling early showdown.

The following weekend continues the momentum with two key trophy races. The Racehorse Aftercare Trophy on November 22 highlights the industry’s commitment to animal welfare, while the Alsafra Trophy on November 23 promises another day of competitive racing.

Finally, the month will draw to a close on November 29 with the Jockeys’ Agent Race day.

Dominica is observing its 47th anniversary of political independence from Britain on Monday with the traditional National Day Observance Ceremony taking place at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in the evening.

‘Today, we celebrate forty-seven years of independence- forty-seven years of resilience, progress and pride in who we are as a people,’ Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said in a post on his Facebook page.

‘May our love for country continue to guide every step we take toward a stronger, more prosperous and united Dominica,’ he said, ahead of his Independence Day address that will be delivered at the National Day Observance Ceremony.

Meanwhile, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, in extending congratulations to Dominica, said the theme for the occasion, ’47 Years of Progress and Purpose’, aptly captures the consistent and focused efforts the nation has made towards achieving its development objectives and in promoting sustainable development.

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa rose to 32 on Monday even as the authorities reported progress in restoring electricity and water to areas affected by the passage of the category 5 storm last Tuesday.

Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon told a news conference that there are eight other unconfirmed deaths which are being investigated by the security forces.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, speaking at news conference on Monday (CMC Photo)

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Desmond McKenzie said that 186 shelters remain open across 12 parishes accomodating2,500 people.

Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange Monday announced the launch of a national registry of volunteers on the support Jamaica portal, which she said will provide a safe and simple way for you to get involved.

‘Through this registry you will be able to tell us when you are available to help, what your skills are as well as what type of assistance you would like to give,’ she told the daily media briefing, adding that plans are also going forward for the various shows in London and the United States featuring several international acts in December.

‘We will get over this, we will build better,’ she added.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has issued a statement indicating that a message circulating online about the offering of a Hurricane Melissa grant is false, indicating that such a message had been put out in 2024 for Hurricane Beryl, and has no relation to the current situation.

The ministry said that the government remains firmly committed to assisting all Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa, and has started the process of conducting household damage assessments.

It said that an official announcement on financial assistance to affected persons will be made in due course and that in the meantime, the Ministry, along with local and international partners, continues the urgent distribution of relief supplies.

The chief executive officer of the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), Hugh Grant, told the news briefing that 77 per cent of customers had been re-connected, adding that the overseas line workers are due in the country by the end of the week.

‘We are also bringing in additional equipment because our local resources in terms of bucket trucks and pole digger trucks are exhausted.so that when the workers come in they will have the equipment required,’ he said, adding ‘ I stand committed to letting you know we will get through this’.

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Mathew Samuda, told reporters that while there had also been much progress in restoring water supplies there were still problems including mechanical issues, external power outages and infrastructure damage.

‘the situation as it stands now, we had 631 systems disrupted with 132 currently active giving you the grand total of 763,’ he said, noting however that the system brought back into operations are the largest systems.

He said 65 per cent of customers have been restored ‘because the systems brought back into activity are indeed our largest systems,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader, Mark Golding says the government should develop an evacuation plan for persons without shelter, outline a clear command structure for relief aid, and ensure it is being led by disaster professionals and not politicians.

Golding told a news conference that the Andrew Holness government should extend the waiver on general consumption tax and import duties on items being shipped to Jamaica, saying that the period for which the measure is in place, November 28, is too short.

‘The relief must get to those who need it, prioritising those who need it most, regardless of political colour or demographic group. They are all Jamaicans, and they should be treated equally at this time without discrimination and tribal politics,’ said Golding.

‘That should be led by professionals in disaster management, not by politicians who do not know the ins and outs of a disaster of this magnitude. And we should not be shy of seeking international support and help from persons who are experienced in this regard,’ he added.

Dixon said that Prime Minister Holness will later this week announce the composition of a committee that will oversee the funds and relief supplies received by Jamaica as a result of the storm.

Veteran Barbadian umpire Gregory Brathwaite has officially retired from the international stage, bringing down the curtain on a celebrated career that spanned more than a decade.

The 55-year-old confirmed his decision last month, notifying both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) of his retirement, which became effective on September 30th.

Brathwaite’s career was marked by several significant milestones. He stood on the field in eight Test matches and served as the television umpire in a further six.

A crowning moment of his time in the sport was his role as an on-field official in the thrilling ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017, where England clinched a dramatic victory over India.

In a reflection on his decision, Brathwaite revealed that the choice was a carefully considered one, made after consulting with his family.

‘I just thought that the time has come for me to seriously sit and have a look at where I am based on my age, and whether or not the time has come to allow somebody younger to have an opportunity to excel beyond where I have been.’

He expressed profound satisfaction with his accomplishments, especially given that his journey into umpiring was entirely unplanned.

‘I’m very happy with what I was able to achieve, having started a journey that I didn’t plan. Umpiring was never on my radar,’ Brathwaite explained. ‘And to have reached the level of crossing all formats on the field, ODIs, T20S, Test match cricket, I think that in itself is a really great achievement for someone who didn’t set out to umpire initially.’

Brathwaite’s retirement marks the departure of a respected figure from the elite panel, an official who rose from an unexpected beginning to preside over the sport’s biggest stages.

Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange, says her Ministry will be leading a series of fundraising concerts on the island and across the world to support Jamaica in the aftermath Hurricane Melissa.

The five concert series dubbed ‘I Love Jamaica’ will feature some of the island’s ‘best Reggae artistes and musicians as well as friends of Jamaica’ with all proceeds going towards the national recovery programme.

‘We have been hit hard by this very powerful hurricane which took lives and in which many of our citizens lost everything. We face a long and challenging road ahead, but we will recover and rebuild stronger with support and by working together,’ said Grange.

The first ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert is scheduled to take place on November 14.

The Ministry is also finalising arrangements for other concerts to take place in London, New York, Toronto and South Florida.

‘As we have done so many times before, we turn to our music, our Reggae music, which has proven to be a healing balm and elixir at times of trouble and distress for not only Jamaicans, but for the world.’

The concert series is part of a wider programme being led by the Ministry to build morale, lift the national spirit, and encourage volunteerism for the long recovery.

‘With our culture, entertainment, sports and religious communities, we will be reaching out to those most affected by the hurricane and mobilising volunteers to participate in the recovery programme.

Grange said her ministry will continue to work closely with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and other government and private-sector entities to establish a registration process and mobilise volunteers.

‘There is much to do, but many hands make light work. Each of us can do something to help and so we encourage everyone to do what they can. Every little act will make a difference,’ she said.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder is the new captain of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the upcoming 2025-26 edition of the International League T20 (ILT20).

Following a standout season with the team, the 33-year-old Barbadian replaces fellow West Indian Sunil Narine, who led the side in the previous seasons.

Holder joined the franchise earlier this year for the ILT20 2025 season and quickly made his mark with impressive all-round performances.

Despite the team finishing at the bottom of the points table, Holder stood out, claiming 17 wickets and scoring 126 runs at a blistering strike rate of 180.

Holder, a former West Indies captain, will lead a star-studded squad, featuring marquee players such as Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford and Narine.

His leadership, combined with his vast T20 experience across multiple leagues worldwide, is expected to bring renewed balance and energy to the side.

The Knight Riders failed to shine under Narine’s leadership, managing only three wins, while suffering seven defeats in their 10 matches during the 2025 season, which left them rooted at the bottom of the table in the six-team tournament.

The team also struggled in the 2023 and 2024 editions, finishing in the cellar position in both campaigns.

The Knight Riders will bowl off their ILT20 2025-26 season against Sharjah Warriorz in Sharjah on December 3.

All-rounders Matthew Forde and Shamar Springer have been added to the West Indies’ T20I squad as they seek to strengthen their bowling attack for their upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting Wednesday.

The two Barbadians are the only new additions to the 15-member squad which trounced Bangladesh 3-0 in their just concluded T20I series on Friday.

Forde, who suffered a shoulder injury in the summer, has been recalled after successfully completing the rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols process.

Matthew Forde has been added to the West Indies’ T20I squad to face New Zealand

Meanwhile, Springer has also been included to bolster a seam bowling unit which has suffered several injuries, most recently to Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades, who have both been ruled out for this series.

Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are also unavailable.

In an interesting development, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been dropped from the side, following a recent dip in form which has been attributed primarily to a technical issue with his action.

With conditions in New Zealand not expected to be as conducive to spin bowling, a decision has been taken for Motie to work with specialists, through collaboration with the Royals Sports Group – owners of the Paarl Royals franchise South Africa, prior to his participation in December’s SA20 to address the issue and rebuild confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

CWI also disclosed that clinical psychologist, Krisnan Hurdle has been hired as a mental skills and performance coach starting with the New Zealand tour

Director of Cricket at CWI, Miles Bascombe said Hurdle’s appointment was a strategic move to align with global practices while enhancing output in the international arena.

‘The addition of a mental skills and performance coach reflects our commitment to developing the complete cricketer. At the elite level, success is as much about mindset and composure as it is about technical ability.

‘Strengthening this area ensures that our players are provided with the necessary non-technical support geared towards equipping them to manage pressure and maintain focus,’ Bascombe said.

TEAM

WEST INDIES T20I SQUAD vs IRELAND: Shai Hope (captain), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Khary Pierre, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.

The United States on Saturday continued its military strikes in the Caribbean, killing three suspected drug smugglers in the latest lethal strike.

Peter Hegseth

‘Today, at the direction of President Trump, the Department of War carried out a lethal kinetic strike on another narco-trafficking vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization (DTO) in the Caribbean,’ said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in making the announcement on X, formerly Twitter.

‘This vessel-like EVERY OTHER-was known by our intelligence to be involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, was transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics,’ he added.

‘Narco-terrorists are bringing drugs to our shores to poison Americans at home,’ continued Hegseth, stating that the US military ‘will treat them EXACTLY how we treated Al-Qaeda.’

The US Department of War said that at least 64 drug smugglers have been killed in 15 military attacks on vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since the beginning of September.

On Friday, several US Democratic senators requested an ‘urgent briefing’ by Trump administration officials on the military strikes in the Caribbean, urging them to ‘provide all legal opinions related to these strikes and a list of the groups or other entities the president has deemed targetable.

‘To date, the administration has failed to provide the full Senate with the basic information necessary to carry out its oversight responsibilities, including the identities of the groups against which the president has authorized the use of military force-even as reports increase that the administration is planning additional strikes inside Venezuela,’ said the legislators in their letter addressed to Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

The letter was signed by, among others, Senate Minority Leader Charles ‘Chuck’ Schumer, Jack Reed, Jeanne Shaheen, Mark Warner, Chris Coons, Patty Murray and Brian Schatz.

Meanwhile , Caribbean Caucus Co-Chairs in the US House of Representatives, Caribbean-American Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke and Congresswoman Maxine Wate, have condemned, ‘in the strongest possible terms, the Trump administration’s unilateral and unlawful military strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean.’

Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, is also chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Waters, considered a friend of the Caribbean, represents the 43rd Congressional District in California.

‘These strikes, and the president’s policy of ‘kill first, ask questions never,’ that undergirds them, are an affront to both,’ said Clarke and Waters in a joint statement on Friday.

‘Every American knows how dire the drug and opioid crisis is. Every American recognizes how deeply action is needed to defeat it. However, when the Trump administration continues to reassign federal agents away from their work on this crisis and toward a sickening anti-immigrant American crusade, and when it has repeatedly cut congressionally approved funding for proven drug prevention and treatment programs, the depths of Donald Trump’s disinterest in truly solving the issue at hand becomes abundantly clear, As does the true purpose of these attacks, which is seemingly only to demonstrate the Trump administration’s power for violence to our allies and adversaries alike,’ they added. ‘Enough is enough.

‘Before more innocent lives are taken beyond those which likely already have been, before more maimed remains of those Donald Trump extrajudicially bombed wash upon the shores of our Caribbean neighbors, and before more of America’s friends are alienated in the name of intimidating our rivals, these strikes must end,’ Clarke and Waters demanded. ‘And the American people must receive answers to the many questions they have had since the strikes began.’

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.

Trk said that more than 60 people have reportedly been killed in the continuing series of attacks since early September ‘in circumstances that find no justification in international law.’

He urged the Trump administration to halt its ‘unacceptable’ operations and take measures to prevent the ‘extrajudicial killing of people aboard these boats, whatever the criminal conduct alleged against them.’

Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma starred with both bat and ball to lead India Women to their maiden Women’s World Cup title via a 52-run victory over South Africa in the final here on Sunday.

Verma smashed 87 off 78 balls, including seven fours and one six, while Sharma hit a run-a-ball 58, as the home side posted a formidable total of 298 for seven in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy.

India Women celebrate after winning their first ICC Women’s World Cup

South Africa’s inspirational captain Laura Wolvaardt then blasted 101 off 98 balls with 11 fours and one six at the top of the order to give her side a chance of pulling off an unlikely victory. but Sharma and Verma shared seven wickets between them to bowl them out for 246 in 45.3 overs.

Sharma finished with figures of 5-39, while Verma claimed 2-36.

The result completed an incredible turnaround for India, who lost three consecutive group-stage games before their march to glory, which included dumping defending champions Australia out at the semifinal stage.

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur was full of praise for her troops after the historic win.

‘Last game, we spoke that self-belief was there, even though we lost three back-to-back games. We knew we had something special to turn things around.

‘We stayed positive, we knew what we had to do, everyone was so involved, they were there day and night and this team deserves to be there,’ Kaur said.

‘This is the start. We wanted to break this barrier. And our next plan is to make this a habit. We were waiting for it. now this moment has come. So many big occasions are coming, and we want to keep improving. This is not the end, just the beginning.’