Category: CANA News

Rishad Hossain produced a mesmerising spell of spin bowling which crippled the West Indies and propeled Bangladesh to an impressive 74-run victory in the opening One Day International here on Saturday.

The leg spinner grabbed a maiden five-wicket haul, as the West Indies, after a promising start, were bundled out for 133 in 39 overs in pursuit of the home side’s total of 207 in 49.4 overs at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

While batting last was always expected to be tricky on a pitch that offered plenty of turn for the spinners, the West Indies seemed on track to register a comfortable victory following a promising start by openers Brandon King and Alick Athanaze.

The pair started cautiously, with the first two overs bowled by pacer Taskin Ahmed and left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam, respectively, being maidens.

But King hit Taskin for a four and a six in the third over of the innings and Athanaze swept Islam for three fours and hit him for a six over long on in the ensuing over to see the West Indies race to 28 without loss after four overs.

Athanaze brought up the 50 for the West Indies in the 12th over, but it didn’t take long for Player-of-the-Match Hossain to unleash his carnage.

He began by trapping Athanaze lbw for 27 to give the home side a much-needed breakthrough.

King and Keacy Carty then shared a 28-run partnership that left the Windies comfortably positioned at 79 for one in the 20th over.

But Carty never looked settled, and it came as no surprise when he edged Hossain to slip as he tried to break the shackles with a big shot.

King looked on course for a half century until he was bamboozled by a delivery from Hossain that spun across his body and grazed the outside edge on its way through to the wicketkeeper to be out for 44, as the Windies slipped to 82 for three.

Three deliveries later and without a run added, Hossain had Sherfane Rutherford caught behind for a duck as he tried to cut a delivery that was too close to his body.

Hossain then captured his first five-wicket haul in international cricket when he had Roston Chase caught behind for six to leave the visitors tottering on 92 for five.

Skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the monopoly by accounting for the wicket of Gudakesh Motie lbw and the outcome was essentially settled when captain Shai Hope edged Islam behind to be out for 15 to make the score 118 for seven in the 34th over.

Mustafizur Rahman then picked up the wickets of Romario Shepherd and Justin Greaves in quick succession, before Hossain fittingly ended the match by having last man Jayden Seales caught at slip.

Hossain ended with career best figures of 6-35 from his nine overs, while Rahman took 2-16.

Earlier, captain Shai Hope made the bewildering decision to send Bangladesh in to bat after winning the toss.

They quickly grabbed the initiative when Romario Shepherd trapped Saif Hassan lbw and Jayden Seales had Soumya Sarkar caught at backward point to leave the home side in trouble at eight for two.

However, Towhid Hridoy, who topscored with 51 and Najmul Hossain Shanto, who made 32, came to their side’s rescue in a 71-run partnership for the third wicket.

Mahidul Islam Ankon also scored a crucial knock of 46, while Hossain lashed 26 runs from 13 balls that helped Bangladesh pass the 200-mark.

Seales was the West Indies’ best bowler with 3-48, while Chase (2-30) and Greaves (2-32) provided good support.

The second ODI is scheduled to be played on Tuesday.

The Guyana government Friday said it views with ‘grave concern the threat to peace and security in the region’ posed by transnational organised crime and narco- terrorism.

In a statement, Georgetown said that these activities often involving criminal networks such as the Cartel de los Soles of Venezuela, designated as a terrorist organisation by some countries in the region.

‘Such criminal networks have the capacity to overwhelm state institutions, undermine democracy, pervert the rule of law and threaten human dignity and development.’

Earlier this week, the United States ordered an amphibious squadron to the southern Caribbean as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to address threats from Latin American drug cartels.

A nuclear-powered attack submarine, additional P8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft, several destroyers and a guided-missile cruiser are also being allocated to US Southern Command as part of the mission.

The Guyana government said it wanted to underscore ‘the necessity for strengthened cooperation and concerted efforts at the national, regional, hemispheric and global levels to effectively combat this menace’.

The statement said Guyana reaffirms its support for a collaborative and integrated approach to tackle transnational organised crime.

‘We are committed to working with our bilateral partners to find meaningful solutions and will support regional and global initiatives aimed at dismantling criminal networks to safeguard our shared security.

‘By confronting transnational organised crime and narco- terrorism with unity, we reaffirm our dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the region remains a Zone of Peace,’ Georgetown said.

Earlier this week, the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) at an extraordinary summit voiced support for Venezuela.

The virtual meeting, hosted from Caracas, brought together heads of state and representatives from Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Lucia. Honduras participated as a guest.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the deployment of US naval and air assets under the command of Southern Command represented ‘a strategic move’ beyond counter-narcotics, warning it could destabilize regional peace.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro described the alliance as ‘an alliance of warriors for peace’ and thanked ALBA members for their solidarity.

The summit declaration rejected what it called ‘false pretexts’ for foreign intervention and reaffirmed support for Venezuela’s sovereignty. The statement also urged the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to convene an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers in response to the situation.

The 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has not issued any statement regarding the presence of the US warships in the region, but former Trinidad and Tobago prime minister Stuart Young is quoted in the NEWSDAY newspaper in his country as saying that ‘the recent developments being reported by international media should be of concern to all citizens and I dare say to the region.

‘CARICOM and our region is a recognised zone of peace and it is critical that this be maintained,’ said Young, adding that Trinidad and Tobago has ‘consistently respected and upheld the principles of non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and for good reason.

‘I trust that our allies will also respect and uphold these principles,’ he added.

The leader of the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) in Trinidad and Tobago, David Abdulah has condemned the US military build-up.

‘We totally reject the so-called pretext for this unprecedented assembly of naval and other military assets and personnel as being one to ‘deal with narco-trafficking,’ he said, noting the US Coast Guard, with Caribbean and European countries, have already long enacted interdiction of narco-traffickers in the Caribbean, with a major drug seizure as recently as June.

‘US Navy destroyers, a guided missile cruiser, helicopter carriers, amphibious vessels and other assets, US marines, nuclear submarines are all offensive, to attack another country or target,’ Abdulah added.

The United States government has advised its citizens ‘not to travel to or remain in Venezuela due to the serious risks of unlawful detention, torture in detention, terrorism, kidnapping, unfair policing practices, violent crime, and civil unrest.

The St. Kitts and Nevis Patrits defeated the Barbados Royals by 12 runs in the eighth match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here at Warner Park on Thursday.

SCORES:

PATRIOTS 174-8 in 20 overs (Kyle Mayers 42, Jason Holder 38; Ramon Simmonds 3-26).

ROYALS 162 in 18.2 overs (Kadeem Allyene 42, Brandon King 22; Jason Holder 4-14).

Barbados were crowned champions of the CWI Rising Stars Under 17 2-Day Championship on Thursday, sealing the title with a dominant 10-wicket victory over the Windward Islands at Queen’s Park Oval in the final round.

The title was built on the back of a phenomenal bowling display by Justin Parris, whose match figures of 9 for 46 dismantled the Windwards and underscored Barbados’s superiority throughout the competition.

After skittling the Windwards for a paltry 91 in their first innings, thanks to Parris’s 5-15, Barbados posted a commanding 195 for 9 declared.

Despite a fight from Aravinda Bishop, who took 6-47 for the Windwards, the Bajan total proved more than enough.

Forced to follow on, the Windwards could only muster 131 in their second innings, with Parris again the chief destroyer, claiming 4-31.

Barbados needed just 6 overs to knock off the required 29 runs without losing a wicket, emphatically securing the championship.

The final round of matches saw a clean sweep of victories across the board. At the National Cricket Centre, hosts Trinidad and Tobago finally broke their duck, securing a convincing 10-wicket win over Jamaica.

The victory was set up by a magnificent 7-37 from Ra’ed Ali Khan in Jamaica’s first innings, which restricted them to 142. A solid batting response, led by Saleem Khan’s 68, gave T and T a crucial first-innings lead.

Roberto Badree then sealed the deal with 4-16 in the second innings, leaving T and T a simple target of 34, which they chased down effortlessly.

Meanwhile, at Inshan Ali Park, the Leeward Islands eased to an eight-wicket win over Guyana. Jathan Edward was the star with the ball, taking 4-34 in Guyana’s first innings and 3-29 in the second to keep the opposition’s totals low.

A composed, unbeaten 64 from Tanez Francis in the run chase guided the Leewards home comfortably.

With the two-day format concluded, attention now turns to the 50-Over Cup, which commences on August 24 and runs through to September 1.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the ninth match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here at North Sound on Friday.

TEAMS:

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons XI: Jewel Andrew (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Karima Gore, Bevon Jacobs, Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim (capt), Fabian Allen, Shamar Springer, Obed McCoy, Jayden Seales, Usama Mir

Guyana Amazon Warriors XI: Ben McDermott, Kevlon Anderson, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Moeen Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Romario Shepherd, Dwaine Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Imran Tahir (capt)

Umpires: Chris Wright, Zahid Bassarath

TV Umpire: Carl Tuckett

Reserve Umpire: Leslie Reifer

Match Referee: Denavon Hayles

The Suriname government says persons who have been affected by land allocations in Reeberg, which is situated nearby to the village Koewarsan, will have their land allocation reinstated.

Land Policy and Forest Management Minister, Stanley Soeropawiro, told a meeting of affected residents that land will be reallocated, rolling back a decision by then former government.

Soeropawiro said that the decision also aligns with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ vision, which prioritises transparency and good governance.

‘This decision does justice to the affected citizens.,’ he said, with some affected residents saying ‘after a long time, we can finally sleep soundly again’.

During a meeting with Soeropawiro on Tuesday, President Geerlings-Simons made it clear that there is no room for arbitrariness, saying ‘if it turns out that allocations have been made outside the correct procedures, they will be revoked’.

In Parliament, two legislators, Bronto Somohardjo and Ebu Jones, described the decision as ‘a victory for transparency and good governance,’ saying representatives have a duty to defend citizens’ rights and correct abuses.

The issue gained momentum this week after residents of Reeberg held a protest demonstration informing reporters of the wrongful land allocation.

During an exploratory working visit, members of the parliamentary committees, said they discovered that previously allocated land had been reallocated and that this was not a case of error, but rather bad faith.

‘Suriname’s land belongs to the people. This is the time to correct mistakes and establish a fair land system,’ Somohardjo said, adding the situation is therefore inevitable.

For his part, Jones said when land is deliberately allocated twice ‘it is not a mistake but an act against the interests of the people.’

The committees’ findings will soon be discussed in the National Assembly.

A brilliant all-round performance from captain Jason Holder propelled the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to a tense 12-run victory over the Barbados Royals in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League thriller here at Warner Park on Thursday.

In a match that ebbed and flowed, the Royals, chasing a target of 175, seemed well-placed at 92-3 at the halfway mark.

However, their innings unravelled in the face of a devastating bowling spell, led by their opposing skipper.

Holder was the undeniable architect of the win, first blasting a crucial 38 runs from just 21 balls to help the Patriots post a competitive 174-8.

He then turned the game with the ball, producing a scintillating spell of 4-14 that included two separate bursts of two wickets in two balls.

His clinical execution effectively broke the Royals’ chase, culminating in him trapping Jomel Warrican lbw in the 19th over to seal the result.

The Patriots’ innings was built on a solid foundation from Kyle Mayers, who top-scored with 42.

For the Royals, left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds was the standout bowler, claiming impressive figures of 3-26 from his four overs.

This victory, their second of the tournament, lifts the Patriots into second place on the table. More significantly, it marks a dramatic turnaround in their bowling fortunes.

After historically struggling to bowl teams out, a 50-inning drought without taking all ten wickets, Holder’s side has now achieved the feat twice in this year’s competition alone.

For the Royals, captained by Rovman Powell, who won the toss and elected to field, it is a second consecutive defeat as they continue their search for a first win in the 2025 CPL campaign.

The Jamaica-based JN Money Services has expanded its remittance services into 10 countries, including Gambia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Ghana and India, deepening its global reach and strengthening financial lifelines for more migrant families.

JN Money Services manager, Horace Hines, said the service has also bee extended to Honduras, Kenya, Philippines, Senegal and Uganda and that the decision to expand into these markets was driven by customer needs.

He said that the expansion is especially essential for the large number of migrants from these countries, so that they can contribute to the welfare of their families in their respective home countries.

Hines said JN Money is poised to strengthen its role as a trusted bridge between migrants and their families, even amid evolving policy challenges.

‘A significant number of migrants reside in the regions where JN Money operates, By expanding to these countries, we are creating a convenient, trusted and secure channel for customers to send funds back home to their loved ones.

‘This not only strengthens family connections but also supports financial stability in communities across borders. We want to ensure families have the reliable financial connections they need to support one another,’ he added.

Hines said that JN Money’s expansion is being powered through a partnership with MasterCard Transaction Services and that this collaboration allows customers to initiate transfers from JN Money locations in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States, Canada and the Cayman Islands, to their recipients, who are then able to access the funds through physical partner outlets.

He said also that while service in the new markets will remain consistent in respect of reliability and security, customer engagement will be tailored to match and resonate with the cultural nuances and market dynamics of each territory.

‘JN Money will maintain the same high level of service our customers know and trust, but we are also ensuring our communication resonates with each unique community,’ he said.

The expansion into the 10 additional territories brings JN Money’s remittance footprint to 18 countries, cementing its status as a top player in the sector and setting the stage for its continued strong financial performance year-over-year.

It follows on reports of JN Money’s ongoing efforts to also strengthen its presence in key diaspora markets, particularly the United States.

The company earlier this year opened a third branch in Florida, adding to the network of locations across Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania where the company already operates. JN Money also plans to enter additional states in 2025.

. ‘Our expansion has been carefully planned and guided by market research, customer needs and sustainable growth strategies. Our top priority is ensuring that migrants always have a secure and cost-effective way to send money to their loved ones,’ Hines said, noting that the company’s expansion is deliberate and strategic.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors posted 211 for 3 against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the ninth match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here at North Sound on Friday.

SCORES:

WARRIORS 211-3 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 82, Shimron Hetmyer 65 not out, Romario Shepherd 25 not out; Imad Wasim 1-20).

The Antigua and Barbuda parliament will meet on Monday to debate a proposal by the government to allow the National Social Security Scheme (NSSS) to invest in the Jolly Beach Hotel.

A statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting said that the minister continued discussions on the government’s plan to consolidate bond obligations owed to Social Security Scheme, explore strategies to leverage the Jolly Beach property as an investment vehicle, and advance a broader vision for the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.

‘Cabinet approved an immediate allocation of EC$20 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) to renovate 33 rooms at Jolly Beach Resort, construct a 500-person capacity conference facility, and upgrade the hotel’s sewage system, as well as its internet and communications infrastructure.

‘Upon completion of the renovations, the hotel’s total room count will increase to 351, with works expected to be finished in time for the next tourism season,’ the statement said.

Last month, the government defended its decision to transfer and redevelop the Jolly Beach Hotel as part of the efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the NSSS

‘A sustainable pension system requires more than just savings accounts. It requires strategic asset allocation and proactive investment to meet future obligations,’ said Prime Minister Gaston Browne, noting the policy decision will not only enhance the NSSS’s revenue base but also restore a key national asset, create jobs, and boost tourism.

The government stated that the resort, situated on 27 acres of prime beachfront land, is valued at EC$67 million and will be utilized to settle part of an EC$330 million delinquent government bond owed to the Social Security Board.

The bond, issued in 2010 under a previous administration, has remained non-performing for over a decade, compromising the Scheme’s financial health and its ability to meet pension obligations.

‘This is more than a real estate transaction. It is a transformational move to repair past fiscal failures and to position our Social Security Scheme on a path of solvency and prosperity,’ Browne said.

In defending the decision of his administration, Prime Minister Browne said that the government’s multi-pronged investment strategy is designed to unlock revenue from both existing and new hospitality infrastructure.

Under the plan, 315 rooms will be sold under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) through which foreign investors are entitled to citizenship of the country in return for making a substantial investment in its socio-economic development.

The statement said that Cabinet had also agreed to consolidate all arrears to the NSSS, inject approximately EC$75 million into the Jolly Beach Resort, and issue an EC$450 million bond over a five-year period, at three per cent initially and five per cent thereafter.

‘These measures aim to transform Jolly Beach Hotel into a major investment prospect for Social Security. Once fully renovated and expanded, the resort will be vested in the Social Security Board, turning a previously non-performing government obligation into a revenue-generating asset.’

The statement said that this strategy will provide NSSS with long-term capital appreciation, steady operational income and the ability to resell rooms under the CBI programme.

Government will also during Monday’s parliamentary session, consider amendments to the CBI legislation in response to concerns raised by the United States and the European Union.