Category: CANA News

Saint Lucia cycling legend Jean Louis passed away over the weekend after being involved in a vehicular accident here in Burlington.

According to reports, Louis was hit by a vehicle while riding on Friday and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 66 years old.

Louis, a former champion, was named Saint Lucia’s Sportsman of the Year in 1985, the only cyclist to ever cop the award.

In 1987 he created more history when he captured the inaugural Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Cycling Championships men’s title.

Hailing from the south Castries community of Anse La Salopwe in La Toc, Louis won multiple Ovaltine titles at home and in St Kitts and Nevis, including the 1987 Barclays Bank Race to Dennery and back, and invitational grass track races at school sports.

He even rode in National Championships in 2023 and 2024, just to support the next generation of cyclists.

President of the Saint Lucia Cycling Association, Cyril Mangal lauded Louis for helping to develop the sport on the island.

‘Jean Louis was instrumental in the development of many of the young cyclists in the 1980s to the 90’s. He played a major role in my development, along with my brothers.

‘He helped us with equipment. He was like a father figure to us. He contributed even while he was [a] resident in Canada. He was always there to encourage me as a cycling administrator when things seemed tough for the sport, encouraging me not to give up,’ Mangal said.

Trinidad and Tobago’s nomination for a position on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027-28 could be in jeopardy following Port of Spain’s decision to support the United States in its military build up in parts of the Caribbean, well placed sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Monday.

They said that there is a perception in the region that some regional leaders are not happy with the view of Trinidad and Tobago, making reference to the statement put out by CARICOM over the last weekend.

The sources make reference to Trinidad and Tobago’s position on the US actions, even in light of reports that two of their nationals were killed last week.

On Sunday, Trinidad and Tobago reiterated its position why it is standing apart from its CARICOM neighbours saying that the US operations are ‘aimed at combatting narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime (and) are ultimately aimed at allowing the region to be a true ‘Zone of Peace’ where all citizens can in reality, live and work in a safe environment’.

Last Saturday, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that regional leaders had met last week to discuss several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states.

It said that the position at that meeting was not endorsed by the government of the twin-island republic.

The meeting follows a series of deadly strikes by the Donald Trump administration targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the Venezuelan coast, the latest of which reportedly claimed the lives of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals.

‘Save in respect of Trinidad and Tobago who reserved its position, Heads agreed on the following: They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict.

‘CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective,’ the CARICOM statement read.

Trinidad and Tobago holds responsibility for security in the quasi CARICOM cabinet and according to the sources, Port of Spain’s position calls into question the endorsement secured by Trinidad and Tobago under the last administration to serve on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2027-28.

Further, the sources said that Trinidad and Tobago may have also rendered itself ineligible to represent CARICOM given Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar’s view that the US military should kill all traffickers violently.

The Caribbean is also worried that her views are also also causing friction among the wider Group of Latin American and Caribbean countries (GRULAC), as well as affect the ongoing collaboration pursued under the three non-permanent African countries and CARICOM, known as the A+3 block of countries.

The sources told CMC that in the past there has been an excellent working relationship with the grouping under St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Guyana, the latest two CARICOM countries that have selected to the UN Security Council in recent years.

Last week, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Dominica, Jose Durabio Moros Savelli, urged Caribbean countries to unite in opposing the military build saying that it is important for preserving peace in the Caribbean.

‘We should fully preserve the peace in the region.it is not just about Venezuela if the United States start a war in the Caribbean it will be bad for all of us, our economy, our people,’ Savelli said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has also criticised the deployment of United States naval forces to the Caribbean, calling them a source of strain that could undermine peace in the region.

‘The presence of the armed forces of the largest power in the Caribbean Sea is a factor of tension,’ Lula had said.

Colombia, one of the United States oldest and strongest allies in the region, has also come out against the military build up saying it is destabilizing for all Latin America.

Colombia’ has rejected outright President Donald Trump’s claims that the naval ships, a submarine, and a squadron of F-35 fighter jets were there to tackle the drug trade.

The sources said that as a result of such opposition, the matter of Trinidad and Tobago’s selection to the UN Security Council is such that regional leaders should be asked to state their views given that they had in their statement reaffirmed their commitment to tackling narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, which continue to pose major threats to regional stability.

The CARICOM leaders had stressed that such challenges must be addressed through ongoing international cooperation and in keeping with international law.

In its statement on Sunday, Port of Spain said that the Trinidad and Tobago government ‘affirms that these operations are not meant to target law abiding persons, specifically fisherfolk and other seafaring individuals seeking to earn an honest living.

‘Alternatively, all persons who may seek to engage in, or indirectly support, any illegal activities in the region, are warned that should they be so inclined, they do so at their own peril.

‘The Government of Trinidad and Tobago reiterates its commitment to the people of the Caribbean for the creation of a safer, stronger and more prosperous region,’ the statement added.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) MOnday said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the OPEC Fund for International Development, establishing a strategic framework for collaboration aimed at unlocking new financing opportunities and driving sustainable growth across the Caribbean.

It said the agreement sets the stage for parallel financing and co-financing of projects in critical sectors such as climate resilience, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, food security, trade finance, and youth empowerment.

It also promotes knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and capacity building, ensuring that Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) benefit from innovative solutions and expanded access to resources.

CDB President, Daniel Best, speaking at the signing ceremony that took place last week on the margins of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank annual meetings in Washington, underscored the transformative power of collaboration.

‘Strategic partnerships between multilateral development banks are fundamental to achieving meaningful progress and driving transformational impact. By working as a cohesive system – combining expertise, resources, and aligned priorities – we can fast-track solutions to global challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

‘This MOU is a significant step forward, showing that cooperation among development institutions is not just beneficial but vital to delivering real and lasting improvements in people’s livesm,’ Best added.

The MOU outlines joint activities including project preparation, technical assistance, and regional dialogues to advance inclusive and green development. Areas of focus range from climate-smart agriculture and water security to digital connectivity and private sector growth, all aligned with CDB’s mission to foster resilience and reduce poverty.

‘This partnership opens unparalleled opportunities for our Borrowing Member Countries. By leveraging the OPEC Fund’s global reach and CDB’s deep regional expertise, we can accelerate investments in infrastructure, climate adaptation, and human development – creating a future that is sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous for the people of the Caribbean,’ Best said.

The region’s premier financial institution said that the collaboration will also support youth empowerment initiatives, technical and vocational training, and innovative financing mechanisms such as debt-for-sustainability swaps and blue economy facilities, reinforcing the Caribbean’s position as a leader in climate resilience and sustainable development.

Akeal Hosein and Ramon Simmonds have named as replacements for the West Indies in the ongoing One Day International series against Bangladesh.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) announced on Monday that Hosein and Simmonds will replace pacers Jediah Blades and Shamar Joseph for the remaining two matches.

Ramon Simmonds (left) and Akeal Hosein (right) have been included in the West Indies ODI squad to face Bangladesh.

The 23-year-old Blades, a left-arm medium pacer has been ruled out of the upcoming matches and the following tour of New Zealand with a stress fracture to the lower back and will return home to undergo rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Joseph, who missed the preceding tour of India, reported some discomfort in his shoulder during the first training session ahead of the opening ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday.

Following a subsequent scan, he has been recommended for consultation with a specialist in England to start the rehabilitation process.

The 24-year-old Simmonds made his debut for the senior side in the recently concluded T20I series against Nepal, where he took four wickets in two matches.

The West Indies trail the three-match ODI series 1-0 after losing the opening match by 74 runs.

The second ODI is scheduled to be played on Tuesday.

The St. Kitts and Nevis government says it is getting closer to returning the capital with a 24-hour water supply after it said progress on the two-million-gallon-per-day desalination plant at the C. A. Paul Southwell Industrial Park is ‘well advanced’.

Public Infrastructure Minister, Konris Maynard, said that the plant was powered up for the first time last Thursday and that the testing of the individual sequence of treatment stages, such as the reverse osmosis trains, will be ongoing for several weeks.

‘We made a commitment that we will undertake to ease and significantly improve the water situation of the Federation, in particular, Saint Kitts, and we are well on the way to do so,’ Maynard said.

The authorities say that when operational, the desalination plant will provide a steady and dependable source of water to meet the growing demand from households and industry.

They said efforts to improve the water situation outside of the Basseterre area are also continuing and that the results of the recent hydrological drone survey revealed 17 promising sites where potable water is likely stored underground. Drilling of new wells is expected to commence in December 2025.

The report from the survey has since been presented to the Water Services Department and Maynard said that of the 17 sites ‘we intend to pick the first best 10 of those sites as we go through the report to identify which ones have the best production capabilities’.

Maynard said that the Water Services Department is also assessing the Western and Northern sides of the island to ensure that ‘we maximise the groundwater resources’ on the island.

Maynard said that the Trinidad-based Water and Oil Well Services Limited had won the contract as the driller for the new potable water sites from the hydrological survey.

He said following the report from the hydrological survey, the contractor received the ‘Notice to Proceed’ earlier this month and that work at the first site is expected to commence in December 2025.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne is defending the decision that led to the resignation of the Customs Comptroller, Raju Boddu, earlier this month.

Boddu is reported to have submitted his resignation last week in a move that had taken many by surprise.

In his letter, Boddu reportedly cited health concerns as the primary reason for stepping down.

Boddu, an experienced customs administrator, had earned a reputation for his strict enforcement of customs regulations and efforts to modernize the division.

Browne had first made public the resignation of Boddu during the parliamentary session last Thursday and speaking on his radio programme over the weekend said the decision stemmed from a serious breach of confidence over alleged irregularities in the processing of duty-free concessions.

The prime minister told radio listeners that he had personally confronted Boddu after receiving reports of questionable authorisations on vehicle purchases.

‘He denied any wrongdoing. In fact, he sent me a message saying he was poor, didn’t even own a home, and asked if I was accusing him of anything,’ Browne said.

‘But I had documents people sent me that bore his signature. When I raised that, he said if he signed anything, it must have been an oversight. I told him it seemed to me to be wilful neglect.’

Browne said that he made it clear to Boddu that he no longer had confidence in his ability to continue in the role, insisting nonetheless was not forced.

‘I told him straight, I’m not asking you to resign. But if you recognise that there was wilful neglect, then you know what to do,’ Browne said.

Media reports said that Bodu was in India when the situation escalated, which subsequently led to his resignation.

‘What I can’t understand, is how so many warrants could have been missed or validated when they clearly shouldn’t have been. That’s a massive oversight,’ Prime Minister Browne said, referring also to rumours circulating in the public domain, suggesting that some car dealerships were allegedly offering unauthorised tax waivers in exchange for cash.

‘People tell me they go to buy a new car, and when I approve a 25 per cent duty reduction, they’re told there’s no such thing, (and) that for EC$10,00 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents), you can get everything off,’ Browne said, adding ‘that’s what has been reported to me’.

He said that Boddu continues to maintain his innocence adding ‘I take some responsibility. Maybe I trusted him too much. He fooled me to some extent. Assuming he’s guilty, and he insists he isn’t , it still means that trust has been broken.’

The Prime Minister noted that Boddu, who earned approximately US$10,000 per month and whose housing is paid by the government, had been recruited under the previous United Progressive Party (UPP) administration.

‘There was an assumption that he was operating with probity, but that oversight in quotation marks shattered the confidence we had in him,’ Prime Minister Browne said, reiterating that the breakdown in trust made it impossible for Boddu to continue leading the Customs Department.

‘I told him, how do you expect me to trust you when so many of those warrants were validated?’ the Prime Minister said. ‘That’s why he resigned, he recognised that the trust had come to an end.’

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Browne is vowing to uphold public trust and ensure full transparency in the unfolding controversy over government vehicle purchases, insisting that neither he nor any Cabinet minister is implicated in the matter.

‘Some believe I should just sweep this under the table.But to do that would be to violate the trust the people of Antigua and Barbuda have placed in me,’ Browne said.

He said the duty-free vehicle policy, which, in part, assists lower income citizens purchase affordable used cars, was never intended to enrich car dealers and that past generosity from some ministers had led to excessive waivers of government taxes

He said as a corrective measure, the prime minister said he had centralised all authority to approve duty free concessions within the MInistry of Finance.

‘For the last two years, only the Minister of Finance – that’s me – has the authority to sign duty-free exemptions,’ he said, adding ‘no one else can waive taxes or duties.’

More than 140 creative submissions have been received from Antiguans and Barbudans at home and abroad for the CHOGM 2026 Logo Design Competition, marking an impressive show of national pride and talent.

The competition, launched in September by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, invited nationals to design the official logo for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 – a historic event that Antigua and Barbuda will host for the first time.

The strong participation from the diaspora highlights the shared excitement and unity of Antiguans and Barbudans as the nation gears up to welcome global leaders next year. Each entry captured the spirit, identity, and vibrancy of Antigua and Barbuda, showcasing the creativity that defines the nation’s people.

‘The response has been phenomenal,’ said H.E Dr Clarence Pilgrim, Chair of the CHOGM 2026 Taskforce. ‘It’s clear that Antiguans and Barbudans, wherever they are in the world, want to play a part in shaping how our nation is represented on the global stage.’

A winner will be announced as part of the official launch of CHOGM 2026 scheduled for 4th November 2026, following the judges’ review process. The selected design will become the official global logo of CHOGM 2026, featured across event branding, signage, and international communications. The winner will also receive a grand prize of EC$5,000 and national recognition during CHOGM 2026.

The Government extends heartfelt thanks to all who participated and celebrates the exceptional talent displayed by Antiguans and Barbudans around the world.

The Belize government Monday praised law enforcement authorities ‘for their swift action’ resulting on the detention of an alleged arsonist linked to the deaths of a mother and her young child during the early hours on Monday morning.

In a statement, the Ministry of the Public Service, Governance, and Disaster Risk Management expressed its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Angelita Majana and her young son, Tishan Godoy, who ‘tragically lost their lives’ in the fire that occurred in the Orange Walk District, north-west of here.

The ministry sad that it is joining the ‘community in mourning this profound loss’ while extending ‘sincere wishes for the full and speedy recovery of the surviving victims, Miguel Novelo and Shadia Majana, who continue to receive medical care.

‘The Ministry commends the authorities for their swift action in detaining the accused arsonist and acknowledges the tireless efforts of the National Fire Service and all first responders who assisted at the scene.’

Police suspect domestic violence may have triggered the tragedy. Media reports indicate that a former close relative of Angelita allegedly entered the home around 3:00 am (Local time), doused the family with gasoline, and set them ablaze.

Belize has assumed the chairmanship of the Small States Forum of the World Bank for the period January 2026 to December 2028.

A Belize government statement said that the role of chairman will be undertaken by Belize’s Prime Minister, John Briceño and that the Small States Forum is an annual event held during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings, providing a unique platform for dialogue on development issues specific to small states and for highlighting the specific challenges confronted by them, including vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks.

Prime Minister John Briceno

The statement said it also serves as an important space to advocate for a tailored approach by the World Bank Group to these small economies and that the members of the Small States Forum participate at the level of Governors to the World Bank, engaging directly with the institution’s highest authorities.

‘Belize assumes leadership of this forum at an important moment, as the World Bank Group seeks to finalize a strategy for responding to the needs of small States in ways that take into consideration their particular challenges and vulnerabilities. The draft strategy recognizes persistent challenges such as volatile growth and limited job creation, particularly among youth and within the private sector,’ the statement said.

It said that the handing over of the leadership took place during a meeting of the Small States Forum, convened to review the draft strategy with a view to finalizing it as soon as possible

It said that Prime Minister Briceño addressed the gathering via pre-recorded video, expressing Belize’s appreciation for this designation and reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that small states receive the tailored attention they need through fit-for-purpose programs and initiatives from the World Bank.

Belize took over the Chairmanship from the Republic of Cabo Verde.

Faced with a do or die situation of winning the second One Day International against Bangladesh to keep the series alive, West Indies spinner Khary Pierre has called on his teammates to quickly adapt to the spinner friendly wickets on the Asian sub-continent.

Bangladesh leads the three-match series 1-0 after romping to a comprehensive 74-run victory in the opening ODI on Saturday at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

The West Indies were undone by leg spinner Rishad Hossain, who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in international cricket and career-best figures of 6-35.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference on Monday, Pierre said it came as no surprise that the wickets in Bangladesh catered to spinners.

Khary Pierre speaking to members of the media during a pre-match press conference on Monday.

And with a similar pitch expected for Tuesday’s second ODI, he said the West Indies had to adjust to the challenging conditions.

‘Well, we see how the wicket is playing so it’s challenging, very spinner’s friendly.but having said that we as batsmen have to adapt and adapt quickly.

‘We have a lot of great batsmen in our team but it’s just about adapting. This is international cricket so it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be challenging, but we have to find a way,’ Pierre said.

‘.We have to play on any wicket that is provided for us, and we have to adapt most importantly. It doesn’t matter about the wicket anymore, it’s about playing the game and playing the game the right way, adapting to the conditions.

‘.We have to do whatever it takes. We already know the situation, and we have to try and win the next two games,’ he contended.

Pierre said it was important for the West Indies’ spinners to restrict the home side’s batters.

He said sticking to the game plan and being consistent was necessary, especially against a Bangladesh side that is difficult to beat at home.

‘Coming here and seeing the wicket, it is spinner’s friendly, so you want to put the balls in the right areas, but it’s a lot of pressure if you don’t do well on these types of surfaces, so I just try to keep it simple and stick to my plans.

‘I think once you put the balls in the right areas and do not go wicket hunting, I think it will be most suitable for the wicket. From the time you want to go wicket hunting then you can leak runs,’ Pierre said.

‘Bangladesh has won a lot of series here since 2011, so we have to come and adapt to the wicket as batsmen and as a team and try and win the game.’