Category: CANA News

Opposition Leader Dr. Godwin Friday said with general elections imminent, the country’s celebration of its 46th anniversary of political independence from Britain affords an opportunity to reflect on the socio-economic development of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

‘On the anniversary of national independence, we naturally pause to reflect on where we are as a nation and what we collectively and individually need to do to make things better. This year, with general elections imminent, it is an even more fitting time for such reflection,’ Friday said in a message marking the occasion on Tuesday.

Dr. Godwin Friday

‘We should consider whether the promise of independence has been realised. Specifically, we should ask ourselves whether we are better off than we were five years ago and whether we should be much further ahead than where we are now.’

Friday, who is leading the main opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) hoping to prevent the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP) of securing an unprecedented sixth consecutive term in office, said unemployment in the country ‘is too high and our young people suffer from it the most.

‘Sadly, many are leaving our shores to seek opportunity elsewhere in the region. The state of our healthcare system is unacceptable. Basic medical supplies are lacking and our hospitals and clinics are in poor condition. Crime and violence abound.

‘Protection of women and girls from abuse is lacking. The police are ineffective because they have been neglected themselves, in the limited training provided and the poor living and working conditions they have been made to endure.’

Friday said that voters will have an opportunity to change these negatives by casting their ballots at the next general election that many political observers say will be held next month ahead of the February 2026 constitutional deadline.

‘Soon, we will have the chance to vote on whether we want the current situation to continue or we want change for the better. Let us do our duty to our nation and make that decision responsibly,’ Friday said.

Friday said that the country has relied on the mercy of God as well as from the generosity and kindness of friends the world over.

‘To them, we are grateful. We have built and sustained our nation through our own hard work, enduring courage and solidarity with one another through good times and in times of adversity.

‘In celebrating another anniversary of national independence, let us recognise the contributions of fellow citizens to the growth and development of our nation. Many have made great sacrifice for us and have given of their best to secure our sovereignty and maintain our way of life.

‘Some have done so to cheers and acclaim, whilst others have toiled quietly away from the spotlight, seeking neither accolades nor compensation but achieving great things for us all to enjoy.’

Friday said that the country ‘needs us now to stand up and do what we can to overcome our current challenges.

‘We are keenly aware of the pressures of the rising cost of living and of finding employment in our country. So, what do we do? We redouble our efforts to be as productive as possible and we set our priorities well so that our families are cared for while we still do our best to help others.’

He said the challenges are serious and troubling and that ‘ the real purpose of our democracy and the most benefit comes when, instead of silence, we raise our voices and demand better. The best opportunity to do so is at general elections’.

Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm with winds in excess of 160 miles per hour (mph), is inching towards Jamaica on Monday and is expected to move near or over the Caribbean island on Tuesday.

The latest bulletin from the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Melissa and its ‘destructive winds and storm surge and catastrophic flooding ‘will worsen on Jamaica through the day and into tonight.

The hurricane is about 130 miles, south, south west of Kingston, and is moving towards the west at three mph

‘A slow turn toward the northwest and north is expected today and tonight, followed by a

northeastward acceleration beginning on Tuesday and continuing through at least Thursday,’ the NHc said, adding that on the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to move near or over Jamaica tonight and Tuesday, across southeastern Cuba Tuesday night, and across the southeastern Bahamas on Wednesday.

Hurricane Melissa, now a category 5 storm

A hurricane warning is in effect for Jamaica, Cuban provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and Holguin, while a hurricane watch is in effect fo southeastern and central Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

‘Melissa is a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some additional strengthening is forecast today, with fluctuations in intensity likely before Melissa makes landfall on Jamaica early Tuesday.

‘Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica and southeastern Cuba as a powerful major hurricane, and will still be at hurricane strength when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas,’ the NHC added.

Utility companies on Jamaica have already warned that while their systems have been primed for the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa, indications are that the unprecedented damage they expect to their facilities may require rebuilding, instead of restoration.

The chief executive officer of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), Hugh Grant, said the company was bracing for the worst.

‘A Category Four hurricane potentially going through the middle of our island could have unprecedented damage on our facilities. Here at JPS it’s likely to be a rebuild and not just a restoration.

‘As we stand now, we are looking at additional preparations to potentially bring in additional resources to barge in or fly equipment in such as bucket trucks, crane trucks, or other equipment that may be required if there is extensive damage on our grid to facilitate safe and timely response,’ Grant said.

Here at JPS one of the significant changes that we made is that we have retainer contracts with overseas line workers to have boots on the ground prior to the storm. We have executed on that and right now we have 71 line workers, more than 30 per cent of our workforce has been augmented with boots on the ground that stand ready to respond to the hurricane once it’s safe to do so,’ he added.

Banks, schools and many government and private sector offices have been closed and the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has suspended all road operations, saying the decision was made following careful assessment and consultation with the relevant authorities, and is driven by several critical safety and operational considerations.

The JUTC said that the first factor influencing the suspension is the increased risk to crew and equipment. Reports of poor visibility, fallen debris and dangerously high levels of water on major roadways have made it unsafe for continued operations.

‘The safety of our drivers, conductors and passengers remains our top priority,’ it added.

Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Matthew Samuda, has warned that no one in Jamaica should feel that they will escape the effects of Hurricane Melissa,

‘Let us be clear with every Jamaican that this is a large, slow-moving, dangerous storm, and that it is in your interest to listen to reputable news sources,’ said Samuda.

Tropical storm conditions are occurring in Jamaica, and destructive hurricane conditions are expected to begin tonight or early Tuesday. Wind speeds atop and on the windward sides of hills and mountains could be up to 30 per cent stronger than the near-surface winds indicated in this advisory, and in some elevated locations could be even greater.

Melissa is expected to bring rainfall of 15 to 30 inches to portions of Jamaica and additional rainfall of eight to 16 inches for southern Hispaniola through Wednesday, with storm total local maxima of 40 inches possible.

The NHC warns that catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely over the Southeast Bahamas, total rainfall of four to eight 8 inches is expected Tuesday into Wednesday resulting in areas of flash flooding.

‘A life-threatening storm surge is likely along the south coast of Jamaica tonight and on Tuesday. Peak storm surge heights could reach nine to 13 feet above ground level, near and to the east of where the center of Melissa makes landfall. This storm surge will be accompanied by large and destructive waves.

‘There is a potential for significant storm surge along the southeast coast of Cuba late Tuesday or Wednesday. Storm surge is possible in the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday,’ the NHC added.

It said swells generated by Melissa are expected to affect portions of Hispaniola, Jamaica, eastern Cuba, and the Cayman Islands during the next several days, and the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda later this week.

The Guyana government Monday said that law enforcement authorities are pursuing one suspect following the deadly explosion at a gas station that left one person dead and several others injured.

‘I was also briefed on the identification of an individual of interest, and I have instructed that images of this person be circulated widely so that the public may assist the Guyana Police Force by sharing any information that could aid the investigation,’ said President Irfaan Ali, who is on an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

The scene of the deadly explosion on Sunday night that left one person dead and several others injured.

The explosion on Sunday night at a gas station in the capital, Georgetown, resulted in the death six-year-old Soraya Bourne and left four others injured. Those seriously injured are Sedyia McIntosh and Rishad Lorde. Comparatively minor injuries were sustained by Jennifer Cooper and Yvonne Jones.

‘I have directed that a full-scale investigation be launched immediately and that every available resource and investigative tool be utilised to determine the precise cause and circumstances of this incident,’ Ali said.

‘I also extend my deepest sympathies to those affected and their families. I have spoken directly with the medical teams attending to the injured and have instructed that every form of support and care be provided to those under treatment,’ he added.

Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, has already convened a high-level meeting attended by the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Sheldon Howell; Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; and Deputy Commissioners of Operations and Administration, Errol Watts and Ravindranauth Budhram.

The authorities have already ruled out a cooking gas cylinder being responsible for the explosion with Walrond saying ‘my heart goes out to the Bourne family during this unimaginably painful time’.

The Ministry said that it continues to work closely with the relevant security agencies to ensure that all aspects of this tragic event are thoroughly investigated and that justice is served.

In May, 2025 two loud explosions simultaneously occurred at the Ruimveldt Police Outpost and a nearby Guyana Power and Light substation on Mandela Avenue. At that time, two Spanish-speaking persons had been identified as the suspects.

Police say that they intend to file criminal charges against a man after the body of a 30-year-old pregnant woman was discovered last Wednesday, four days after she was reported missing.

Police Commissioner, Shanta Knowles said it is likely that the suspect will appear before the Magistrates Court on Monday.

She said that Saunders relatives had reported her missing last Sunday and that the vehicle she was driving was later found abandoned with a flat tyre. Her handbag, shoes, and other personal items were discovered inside the vehicle.

Police said that an adult male in his 30s and known to the victim, had been taken into custody during the early stages of the investigation.

Knowles said that the suspect was assisting them with the investigations and that information provided led to the discovery of a body in a bushy that matched the description of the missing woman.

‘The pathologists have completed their work,’ Commissioner Knowles said, adding ‘they were not able to give us a definitive answer, but because of the evidence that we have collected, we are confident that we have sufficient to proceed with a charge of murder’.

‘I want to say thank you to members of the public who assisted the family and police in searching for Lauren,’ she said, adding ‘unfortunately, the results were not what we wanted, but I am pleased with the efforts put forth by my officers, and I offer my sincerest condolences to the family.’

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis had issued a statement saying, ‘violence against women has no place in our society and must be met with the full weight of the law’.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Monday said that 13 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) are updating strategies and technical capacity to manage and safely dispose of medical waste like syringes, used laboratory and biological products and electronic parts.

PAHO said that The Bahamas, Belize and Jamaica are the Caribbean countries involved in the project funded by the Canadian government and aimed at building a network of public health officials immersed in medical waste management.

The other countries are Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay and Peru.

The programme is being implemented by PAHO that is supporting public health leaders in updating laws and technical standards, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening transport and final disposal systems through proper licensing, tracking, and environmentally safe landfills.

PAHO said that an estimated 70 per cent of the waste generated by hospitals and medical facilities in Latin America and the Caribbean is inadequately managed, posing a risk to public health and the environment.

It said much of this waste, which often contains bodily fluids, is either dumped in landfills or worse, carelessly discarded and eventually ends up in the ocean. Poor management risks the spread of disease and pollutes the water, air, and soil.

‘The tremendous need for medical waste management became even more stark when the COVID-19 pandemic drove a dramatic increase in the generation of waste,’ said Luis Francisco Sánchez Otero, regional advisor on chemical safety in PAHO’s Environment and Climate Change unit.

‘With Canada’s support, we’ve been able to help countries make progress in developing and implementing better disposal strategies.’

In August, PAHO organized a three-day fact-finding and learning mission in Medellin, Colombia, bringing together 21 public health professionals from 13 countries to study and share best practices in efficient medical waste management.

The group visited a handful of health facilities in Medellin, including basic health posts and hospitals that provide advanced care. The workshop promoted structured dialogue and urged participants to identify and document the gaps in medical waste management in their respective countries.

One lesson gained from the visit and workshop is the need to improve the regulatory frameworks governing medical waste management in Caribbean countries, especially for island nations like The Bahamas and Jamaica, which are geographically limited and already dealing with solid waste management challenges.

‘We found that most of the countries here are ahead in terms of legislation. So, we need to work faster and more efficiently in terms of developing our policies, guidelines, and standards,’ said Jennifer Savariau, Jamaica’s director of Medical Waste Management.

West Indies reached 165 for three off their 20 overs after electing to bat against Bangladesh in the first T20 International here on Monday.

WEST INDIES 165-3 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 46 not out, Rovman Powell 44 not out, Alick Athanaze 34, Brandon King 33; Taskin Ahmed 2-36).

Three Caribbean countries were rocked by three powerful earthquakes, including two, during a 17 minute interval, on Monday, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The Seismic Research Centre (SRC) at the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West indies UWI) said that the first quake, with a magnitude of 6.7 occurred at 8.38 am (local time) at a depth of 12 kilometers (km).

It said that the tremor was felt 222 km east of Point-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, 244 km north east of Roseau, the Dominican capital and 264 east south east of St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda.

The SRC said that the other strong quake, which occurred at 8.55 am (local time) had a magnitude of 6.1 and again affected the same three Caribbean countries. It had a depth of 29 km.

According to the SRC, the quake was felt 225 km east of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, 265 km north east of Roseau, Dominica, and 265 km east south east of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

The SRC said that the second quake, which occurred at 8.46 am (local time) had a magnitude of 5.2. It said it was at a depth of 14 km and as felt 227 km east of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, 249 km north east of Roseau, Dominica and 267 km east south east of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

Resident in other countries, including St. Lucia and St. Kitts-Nevis have also reported feeling the tremors.

The Bahamas government Monday, issued a formal evacuation notice for residents of Inagua, Acklins, Crooked Island, Mayaguana, and Ragged Island ahead of the passage of Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm later this week.

Prime Minister Phillip Davis said that according to the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, Hurricane Melissa is forecast to begin affecting the Southeast Bahamas by early Tuesday morning, with conditions expected to deteriorate through Wednesday as the storm tracks across the area.

Hurricane Melissa

He said the evacuation decision was taken following the advice of the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM) and the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, noting that it was made out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of residents in the most vulnerable islands.

‘This notice is being issued to ensure that those most at risk can be safely relocated before conditions worsen,’ Prime Minister Davis said, advising residents to contact their local Family Island Administrator for details on evacuation schedules and transportation arrangements. Prime Minister Davis said that the government will provide a comprehensive update on Monday evening when he will be joined by officials from the Disaster Risk Management Authority.

‘At that time, we will outline the specific steps being taken to safeguard lives and property, including transportation logistics, shelter readiness, and coordination across all government agencies,’ he said, encouraging Bahamians to remain vigilant, stay informed, and continue to look out for one another.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that a hurricane watch is in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands.

‘Melissa is a category 5 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Some fluctuations in intensity are likely before Melissa makes landfall on Jamaica on Tuesday. However, Melissa is expected to reach Jamaica and southeastern Cuba as an

extremely powerful major hurricane, and will still be at hurricane strength when it moves across the southeastern Bahamas,’ the NHC added.

It said that over the Southeast Bahamas, total rainfall of four to eight inches is expected Tuesday into Wednesday resulting in areas of flash flooding.

The umpires for the highly anticipated semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 have been confirmed, placing several of the game’s top officials in the spotlight for the tournament’s biggest matches yet.

Jacqueline Williams

In a landmark appointment, Jamaica’s Jacqueline Williams has been named as an on-field umpire for the first semi-final in Guwahati, where England will face South Africa.

She will stand alongside Australia’s Eloise Sheridan, marking a significant moment for the Emirates ICC International Panel.

Both umpires bring considerable experience from the group stages. Sheridan presided over the previous encounter between these two sides, a dominant 10-wicket victory for England, as well as South Africa’s win against Pakistan.

Williams was in charge of two matches involving each team, officiating South Africa’s key victories against India and Bangladesh, and England’s win over India and their sole defeat to Australia.

The support team for this high-stakes match will see India’s Vrinda Rathi as the third umpire, Australia’s Claire Polosak as the fourth umpire, and GS Lakshmi as the match referee.

The second semi-final in Navi Mumbai, a blockbuster between reigning champions Australia and hosts India, will be officiated by South Africa’s Lauren Agenbag and England’s Sue Redfern.

The officiating team for this clash is completed by New Zealand’s Kim Cotton (Third Umpire), Sri Lanka’s Nimali Perera (Fourth Umpire), and Michell Pereira (Match Referee).

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) has sought to downplay the presence of military aircraft activity and paratroopers in the country , saying they are not linked to regional tensions or foreign military operations.

‘The aircraft activity observed over parts of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is part of planned Independence Day exhibitions organised in coordination with relevant state agencies,’ the RSVGPF said in a statement.

It said that these exercises are ‘ceremonial, professionally supervised’ and form part of the official programme of events marking the country’s 46th Anniversary of Independence on Tuesday.

The police acknowledged that in the current climate of international uncertainty, citizens may be ‘naturally curious or even concerned when they observe unfamiliar aerial manoeuvres.

‘However, it is important to distinguish between verified information and online speculation,’ it said, rejecting rejecting ‘unequivocally.any assertion suggesting the presence or use of jamming devices, restrictions on airspace, or any form of security threat to the State or its citizens.

‘These rumours are entirely false, misleading, and irresponsible, serving only to create unnecessary panic and confusion,’ said the police statement, coming hours after a video was published on social media, showing what appeared to be a paratrooper landing on the Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines building in the capital, Kingstown.

The video showed what appears to be three men in civilian wear, one of them apparently carrying an assault rifle, and a fourth man, wearing what appears to be the black uniform of the Rapid Response Unit, walking on the roof of the building.

In its statement, the RSVGPF said that while the media play an important role in informing the public, ‘sensational headlines and conjecture can lead to unnecessary fear and confusion.

‘The RSVGPF encourages all media entities and citizens to verify information through official channels before publication or sharing.

‘As a proud nation celebrating 46 years of Independence, the RSVGPF urges all Vincentians to turn their attention to the spirit of unity, discipline, and resilience that defines our people. Let us not allow speculation to distract from our shared pride in country and heritage.

‘The RSVGPF assures the public that Independence Day celebrations are being conducted with full regard for public safety and security, and all activities remain under proper coordination.’

Apparently, the participation of Guyanese skydivers in the independence parade at Arnos Vale on Monday night was intended to be a surprise.

However, the team made a video post about it on its Facebook page, saying, ‘Look out St Vincent and the Grenadines, the team will be coming to the Arnos Vale Stadium this weekend’.

Meanwhile, Rajkumar Singh also posted about the event on Facebook, saying on Sunday, ‘The Guyana Skydiving Team is soaring to new heights! Heading to St. Vincent to represent our nation for Independence celebrations. Guyana to the skies – let’s fly the Golden Arrowhead high! stay tuned for updates!’

Tensions are high across the southern Caribbean and the rest of the region as the United States warship ‘USS Gravely’ docked in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, even as Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar sought to downplay threats of military aggression in the region.

Last week, the Donald Trump administration announced that it is intensifying its military build-up in the Caribbean with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordering the deployment of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its carrier air wing, to the Caribbean in aid of what the administration says is its counter-drug initiative.

Washington said the enhanced US force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster US capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and its security in the Western Hemisphere.

In recent times, the Trump administration has deployed several warships and over 10,000 troops to the Caribbean in what pundits claim is a pretext for an eventual land invasion of Venezuela.