Category: CANA News

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Monday, October 13, 2025.

PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago government to unveil national budget following the April 28 general election.

WASHINGTON – The United States has warned countries, including those in the Caribbean that vote later this month in support of measures being pushed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on whether or not to support a Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF) aimed at reducing reducing emissions in the maritime sector.

WASHINGTON -The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says risks to Haiti’s outlook remain tilted to the downside and that intensified gang-related disruptions, and escalating violence or social unrest could further exacerbate social and economic vulnerabilities.

HAMILTON – Bermuda has paid more than US$3.7 million in membership fees to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) since 2002, The Royal Gazette newspaper reported on Monday.

PORT OF SPAIN – The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago says as a mature energy producer, Trinidad and Tobago cannot afford to believe that investors have no other options, as it reported that over the last 20 years, the revenue received from the energy sector has seen significant annual fluctuations.

SPORT:

DELHI – Despite fighting centuries by John Campbell and Shai Hope, India are on the brink of a series winning victory over the West Indies at the end of day four in the second Test match here on Monday.w

Bermuda has paid more than US$3.7 million in membership fees to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) since 2002, The Royal Gazette newspaper reported on Monday.

It said that the information was released by the Accountant-General’s Department, which shared a list of more than 100 payments to the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat in response to a public access to information request from the newspaper.

According to The Royal Gazette, the sums, paid between March 2002 and July this year, totalled US$3,734,070, while related records show the island’s financial obligation to the intergovernmental organisation stood at US$67,823 a quarter, or US$271,292 a year, in 2024.

That was a 40 per cent increase on the 2023 fees, which were US$48,313 a quarter, or US$193,252 a year.

The 2024 annual fee of US$271,292 represents a 177 per cent increase on the US$98,000 payable when Bermuda became an associate member of ARICOM more than two decades ago, after having briefly held non-fee-paying observer status.

Bermuda is now pursuing full membership of the 15-member regional integration grouping and Premier David Burt, who is also the Finance Minister, has said he does not know how much it will cost.

The US$271,292-a-year figure does not include travel expenses for ministers and civil servants attending CARICOM events.

Meanwhile, the newspaper is reporting that after almost two years since it announced plans to become a full member of CARICOM

It said that the Ministry of Home Affairs, which is tasked with implementing the plan, said in a statement last week that it was ‘working towards finalising its CARICOM discussion document’ ahead of ‘formal awareness efforts’ beginning next month.

Bermuda, along with four other British Overseas Territories, the Dutch island of Curaçao and the French island of Martinique, is an associate member of the Caribbean Community.

According to the Home Affairs statement, the discussion document will include the ‘anticipated benefits’ of changing from associate to ‘full membership, as well as costs’.

The statement note the ‘importance of this national discussion and is committed to ensuring the public has a voice’, even as it acknowledged that ‘this is a sensitive time, and, in the interim, we urge media outlets to exercise care in their reporting’.

‘We also encourage the media and public to await the ministry’s official communications, which will provide the necessary context and clarity.’

The Trinidad and Tobago government Monday said it expects stabilisation and positive growth in 2026, as it rolls its development plans and initiate the rebuilding of the country.

‘Trinidad and Tobago’s economic prosperity, energy security and regional stability have also been given a significant boost with the recent United States support for the Dragon Gas proposal,’ Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, said as he delivered a TT$59.2 billion (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) budget to Parliament.

Tancoo told legislators that the government as part of its medium term economic outlook, will also be exploring all avenues to advance this project.

He said after years of underperformance, natural gas production is projected to recover from the current levels of approximately 2.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d) to over 3.2 bcf/d by 2027.

‘As new fields come online, the development of the Manatee field alone, with estimated reserves of more than two trillion cubic feet of gas, will be groundbreaking for our economy.

‘On the other hand, oil production, which has averaged just 60,000 barrels per day in recent years, is alsoexpected to benefit from enhanced exploration and development initiatives.

Diversification remains at the heart of our strategy,’ Tancoo said.

He said that the coalition government is already focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and the service industry, amongst others.

‘Increasing investments and facilitating growth in agriculture and agro-processing will not only support the diversification thrust but also strengthen our agricultural base for food security and reduce our food import bill.

‘We will also focus on expanding manufacturing exports, boosting medical, sport, health, educational, and cultural tourism, and accelerating digital transformation, among other,’ he said, adding hat ‘these are expected to generate employment, increase foreign exchange currency inflows, and create opportunities for young people and small businesses’.

Tancoo said that the issue of foreign exchange shortages remains a challenge for businesses, limiting access to raw materials and production and that the ‘unfair practices at major commercial banks and the Exim Bank have exacerbated these shortages.

‘This administration will act decisively to stabilise the external position. By restoring energy production and creating an enabling environment for business and investment, we will increase foreign currency inflow,’ he said, promising ‘we will ensure that productive sectors have access to foreign exchange’.

Tancoo said that by accelerating energy production, broadening and deepening diversification, consolidating the fiscal accounts, and taking proactive steps to stabilize the external sector, the government will protect Trinidad and Tobago’s investment-grade standing and deliver sustainable growth.

‘Above all, our medium-term plan is about restoring confidence, protecting livelihoods, and creating diverse opportunities for every citizen,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Tancoo said that the government will implement new policies aimed at preventing the collapse of the National Insurance System (NIS) and in the process safeguard the dignity of retirees while providing income security for workers and their families.

He said currently the annual benefit expenditure is well over six billion TT dollars, an increase of more than 65 per cent over the last two decades, but that after a’ decade of neglect, this system is in crisis today.

‘To do nothing would be irresponsible. Since 2020, benefit pay-outs have consistently exceeded contributions, forcing the NIB to liquidate its assets to meet obligations. The 11th Actuarial Review projects that, if nothing is done, the Fund will be depleted by 2033 to 2034.

‘We will not allow the Fund to collapse, jeopardizing the very benefits that over 200,000 of our most vulnerable citizens depend on

He said additionally, beginning in January 2028, the age at which a person can receive a full NIS retirement pension will gradually increase over a 10-year period.

‘There will be no change for anyone who retires at age 60 before January 1, 2028. These retirees will continue to qualify for a full NIS pension (with a minimum of $3,000) at age 60.

Furthermore, existing pensioners will not be affected by this change.

‘Starting in January 2028, the age for a full NIS pension will increase by one year every two years until it reaches age 65 in 2036. This means that to access the full minimum pension of $3,000:’

Tancoo said that from January 1, 2028, to December 31, 2029, a retiree must be 61 years of age; from January 1, 2030, to December 31, 2031, a retiree must be 62 years of age; from January 1, 2032, to December 31, 2033, a retiree must be 63 years of age, from January 1, 2034, to December 31, 2035, a retiree must be 64 years of age; and from January 1, 2036 onward, a retiree must be 65 years of age.

He said for clarification, these adjustments mean that the retirement age for a full NIS pension will move from 60 to 65 over the next decade, but that persons who retire early will still receive a pension, but at a reduced rate.

‘These reforms are not easy, but they are now urgently required given the years of inaction that allowed these challenges to deepen under the last administration. These measures are projected to extend the life of the NIS Fund, securing pensions for today’s workers and tomorrow’s retirees.’

The United States has warned countries, including those in the Caribbean that vote later this month in support of measures being pushed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on whether or not to support a Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF) aimed at reducing reducing emissions in the maritime sector.

‘The United States will be moving to levy these remedies against nations that sponsor this European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations. We will fight hard to protect our economic interests by imposing costs on countries if they support the NZF. Our fellow IMO members should be on notice,’ according to a joint statement issued by the Secretary of State Rubio, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy.

The measure, which as approved in April 2025, is set for adoption in October 2025, during the Marine Environmental Protection Committee that is meeting that takes place until October 17.

IMO officials say 108 members are eligible to vote, including 10 from CARICOM and if adopted, it will come into effect in 2028.

But Washington has said that President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States will not accept any international environmental agreement that unduly or unfairly burdens the United States or harms the interests of the American people.

It said that this week’s vote on the adoption ‘will be the first time that a UN organization levies a global carbon tax on the world.

‘The Administration unequivocally rejects this proposal before the IMO and will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, shipping companies and their customers, or tourists.

‘The economic impacts from this measure could be disastrous, with some estimates forecasting global shipping costs increasing as much as 10 per cent or more. We ask you to join us in rejecting adoption of the NZF at the October meeting and to work together on our collective economic and energy security,’ the joint statement said.

The NZF seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping to align with the 2050 net-zero target. Key components include a Global Fuel Standard (GFS) setting annual GHG intensity reduction targets, a two-tier carbon price mechanism, and a credit trading system funded by penalties to reward zero and near-zero emission fuels and support a just transition.

The NZF presents a new regulatory era in which ships will be required to gradually adopt fuels that are typically three to four times more expensive compared with conventional fossil fuels. Given the long lifespan of ships, shipowners should prepare now for the new net-zero GHG emission regulations to ensure cost-effective compliance, both at the ship and the fleet level.

The Framework will apply to all oceangoing ships over 5,000 gross tonnage (GT). These ships are responsible for over 85 per cent of global shipping emissions and are already covered by reporting requirements for fuel data collection. Ships under 5,000 GT are currently not covered.

Washington said that the NZF proposal poses significant risks to the global economy and subjects not just Americans, but all IMO member states ‘to an unsanctioned global tax regime that levies punitive and regressive financial penalties, which could be avoided.’

The United States says it is considering several actions against countries that support ‘this global carbon tax on American consumers’.

Among the measures being contemplated are pursuing investigations and considering potential regulations to combat anti-competitive practices from certain flagged countries and potential blocking vessels registered in those countries from U.S. ports; imposing visa restrictions including an increase in fees and processing, mandatory re-interview requirements and/or revisions of quotas for C-1/D maritime crew member visas.

In addition, Washington said it will impose commercial penalties stemming from US government contracts including new commercial ships, liquified natural gas terminals and infrastructure, and/or other financial penalties on ships flagged under nations in favor of the NZF;

It will also be imposing additional port fees on ships owned, operated, or flagged by countries supporting the framework as well as evaluating sanctions on officials sponsoring activist-driven climate policies that would burden American consumers, among other measures under consideration.

Despite fighting centuries by John Campbell and Shai Hope, India are on the brink of a series winning victory over the West Indies at the end of day four in the second Test match here on Monday.

Campbell scored his maiden Test century, while Hope ended an eight-year wait for his third Test century, but their hard work was undone by a middle order collapse that saw them eventually being dismissed for 390.

Needing a paltry 121 for victory, India ended the day on 63 for one, requiring just 58 more runs on Tuesday’s fifth and final day to seal a 2-0 series win over the visitors.

However, India’s target could have been more sizeable had the West Indies not collapsed from a comfortable position of 271 for three to 311 for nine in the space of 11 overs.

Resuming the day on 173 for two, still trailing India by 97 runs with Campbell and Hope at the crease, there would have been high hopes for the Windies.

Campbell, who was on 87, didn’t take long to register his first-ever Test century in his 25th Test, doing so in emphatic fashion by clobbering left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja over long on for six.

He also became the first West Indian to score a Test century in India since Wavell Hinds in 2002.

Campbell then brought up the 200 for the Windies by cutting pacer Mohammed Siraj behind point for four.

However, Jadeja finally broke the 177-run partnership between the two when Campbell missed his reverse sweep and was trapped lbw for 115 to leave the score 212 for three.

In all, his innings lasted 199 balls and he struck 12 fours and three sixes in his almost four and a half hour stay at the crease.

Hope and skipper Roston Chase then carried the West Indies to lunch at 252 for three, with Hope unbeaten on 90 and eyeing his first Test century since 2017.

It didn’t take him long to reach the landmark after the resumption, guiding Siraj to third man for a boundary to reach three figures.

Together with Chase, they added 69 runs for the fourth wicket and looked well poised to carry their side to a mammoth total until spectacularly collapsing.

Siraj triggered the meltdown by bowling Hope off the inside edge for 103 from 214 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes.

Tevin Imlach was undone by a ball from Kuldeep Yadav that kept extremely low and trapped him plumb in front for 12, Chase was caught off the bowling of Yadav for 40, and two balls later he had Khary Pierre caught at cover for a duck as he attempted a slog sweep, to see the Windies slip to 298 for seven.

Jomel Warrican then inside edged Jasprit Bumrah onto his stumps, with the pacer also accounting for the wicket of Anderson Phillip, whose thin edge was taken by the wicketkeeper.

Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales then combined for 79 runs, the second highest West Indies partnership for the 10th wicket in a Test against India.

It helped to add some respectability to the final total, with Greaves finishing unbeaten on an even 50, before Bumrah returned to dismiss Seales for a well-played 32.

Bumrah was India’s best bowler with 3-44, Yadav took 3-104 and Siraj 2-43.

In their run chase, India’s first innings centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal was caught on the long on boundary off the bowling of Warrican as he tried to pick up quick runs and possibly end the contest in the final session.

However, following his dismissal, Sai Sudharson, who is unbeaten on 30 and KL Rahul, who is 25 not out, navigated the final few overs to put them in prime position to complete the win early on the last day.

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo Monday said that the state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) had spent more than TT$60 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) on audits, but had failed to submit ‘a single audited financial statement to the Ministry of Finance in over nine years’.

Tancoo, delivering the first budget of the Kamla Persad Bissessar coalition administration, told legislators that the money had been paid to Ernst and Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

‘Shockingly, even in the absence of these audited accounts, the former Minister of Finance repeatedly approved financing for CAL in 2017, 2018, 2019 and as recently as March 2025 to cover operational shortfalls.’

Tancoo accused the former finance minister Colm Imbert of closing ‘his eyes as CAL descended into inefficiency, non-compliance and fiscal indiscipline, leaving behind not a national airline but a national liability.

‘Worse yet, he actively fueled this reckless behaviour by repeatedly approving billions in financing without demanding accountability,’ Tancoo said, adding that in so doing, the forme government minister ‘facilitated mismanagement, normalized waste and corruption and abandoned his responsibility of fiduciary oversight.

‘This is nothing short of criminal negligence. We have now installed a strong board of directors who are making the hard decisions required to fix our national airline,’ he told legislators.

Earlier, CAL confirmed the immediate resignation of its chief executive officer Garvin Medera and that to ensure continuity and stability, chief operating officer, Nirmala Ramai, has been appointed acting chief executive officer ‘until further notice’.

It said that under the ‘guidance’ of the board of directors she ‘will work closely with the senior leadership team to support the airline through this transition’.

The statement gave no reasons for the ‘immediate resignation’ but thanked Medera ‘for his years of service and leadership and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours’.

CAL said that it would ‘continue to operate its full schedule, with no disruption to customers or partners’ and that the board of directors ’emphasises that this leadership transition comes at an important time for the airline and is part of its ongoing focus on stability, safety and accountability’

The statement by CAL on Monday said that as part of the new transition, the board and senior leadership team will be focusing on five key initiatives, namely supporting employees and stakeholders with open communication and care, reviewing operations to increase efficiency and modernisation, enhancing the customer experience with improved services, developing a long-term, financially responsible and sustainable growth plan and conducting full and thorough audits of all departments and processes, to strengthen governance, safety, and accountability.

‘The airline also reaffirmed its commitment to developing and promoting talent from within the organization, before seeking external candidates, to provide employees with clear opportunities for growth and career advancement.

‘Caribbean Airlines will continue to serve the region with pride, reliability and a steadfast commitment to safety. The Board of Directors remains committed to open and timely communication with employees, customers and stakeholders as this leadership transition and strategic plan are implemented,’ the statement added.

The President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton, arrived in Beijing on Saturday to attend the upcoming Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women.

The meeting, co-hosted by China and UN Women, will be held in Beijing from October 13 to 14.

‘I want to thank President Xi Jinping for being an advocate for the women’s cause,’ said President of the Commonwealth of Dominica Sylvanie Burton spoke in an exclusive interview with journalists.

Convening the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women on the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress achieved in promoting women’s development, Burton said.

Preparing to attend the upcoming event in China, Burton said she looks forward to exploring how people can enhance the development of women’s causes worldwide, and what has been done in China to raise the living standard for women and their families.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted at the 1995 UN Fourth World Conference on Women, has had a very transformative influence on the international arena, Burton said. After that, the world started to look at the empowerment and equality of women in a more positive way.

‘For us here in Dominica,’ she said, ‘after the Beijing Declaration and the Platform of Action, we saw that the government of Dominica ensured that in every budgetary allocation we had to show that we would be empowering women or would be creating some avenues for gender equality.’

We can look at what was done, what needs to be done, and where we go from there,’ she said. ‘When you empower women, you empower families, you empower children, you empower young people, so the work that he continues to do is significant.’

China has made concrete efforts to promote women’s development by putting in the required and available funding for the grassroots and the most vulnerable women, Burton noted. So they can develop themselves, bring up their standards of living, and provide them with proper housing and education, she said.

‘China can show us in many sectors how we can empower women and how we can bring up the standard of living, not only to employ them at the community level, but at the international level, how well we can see women representing, negotiating, working on behalf of their countries, communities, and their families,’ Burton said.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Dominica in 2004, Burton said, Chinese-assisted projects have improved local livelihoods and expanded opportunities for women in Dominica.

She also highlighted other projects, including the Dominica-China Friendship Bridge, new housing for indigenous female-headed households, and the improved road between Roseau and Portsmouth, which made it easier and safer for women to travel, access education, and support their families.

Burton placed a high value on China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Governance Initiative, recognizing their significance in advancing women’s development.

She expressed the hope to learn from more advanced experiences at the upcoming Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women and bring back practical solutions for Dominica, to continue advancing women’s empowerment and gender equality, Burton said. ‘We hope that we will have a successful meeting.

John Campbell and Shai Hope both scored unbeaten half centuries as the West Indies batsmen finally showed some grit against India in the second Test here on Sunday.

Campbell finished on 87 not out, while Hope ended the day on 66, to save the West Indies from what seemed like certain defeat against the hosts on day three at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

After being dismissed for 248 runs in their first innings and being asked to follow on by 270 runs, the West Indies were staring down the barrel of yet another huge defeat inside three days when they slumped t0 35 for two at tea.

But Campbell and Hope scored the first two half centuries for the visitors in the series, during an unbroken partnership of 138 for the third wicket, which saw them to 173 for two at the close of play.

And while the visitors still need 97 more runs to make India bat again, their effort was a welcomed sight for West Indies fans, who at one point were expecting the worse following another inept batting performance from their side in the first innings and beginning of the second innings.

Hope was also at the crease at the start of play, with the West Indies 140 for four and in dire need of a huge partnership to get them as close to India’s mammoth first innings total of 518 for five declared.

It was not to be, however, as Hope only added five runs to his overnight total before being bowled for 36 by a superb delivery from Kuldeep Yadav.

And when Yadav also claimed the wicket of the other overnight batter, Tevin Imlach lbw for 21, the West Indies were in real trouble at 163 for six.

It looked as though they would be dismissed inside 200 when Yadav also trapped Justin Greaves lbw and Jomel Warrican lost his middle stump to Mohammed Siraj to leave them 175 for eight.

But Khary Pierre and Anderson Phillip frustrated India during a stand of 46 that took the West Indies past the lunch interval.

Jasprit Bumrah broke the partnership by bowling Pierre for 23 and Yadav claimed his fifth five wicket haul in Test by dismissing last man Jayden Seales for 13 to wrap up the innings and give India a healthy first innings lead.

Phillip ended unbeaten on 24 off 93 balls.

Yadav starred for India with figures of 5-82, while Ravendra Jadeja took 3-46.

India’s decision to enforce the follow-on seemed like a good one when Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s mistimed pull off Siraj looped into the air for Shubman Gill to take a diving catch at midwicket with only 17 runs on the board.

And after Alick Athanaze was bowled by an unplayable delivery from Washington Sundar to send the Windies to tea at 35 for two, another early victory for the home side seemed on the cards.

But opener Campbell and Hope defied India’s bowlers with aggressive stroke play, mixed with solid defense.

When Campbell was on 31, he was given out lbw off the bowling of Sundar, but his review showed that the ball touched his glove before striking his pad.

He also survived two other close lbw calls against the same bowler, only due to the umpire’s on field call.

Apart from that, Campbell was fluent, and he brought up the Windies’ first half century of the tour by hitting Yadav for a six and four.

Hope followed not too long after, ending his run of 31 consecutive innings without a Test half century by driving Jadeja to deep point for a single.

The pair then saw off India’s attack in the latter stages to put West Indies in a good position to make their opponents bat again.

Campbell has so far faced 145 deliveries and struck nine fours and two sixes, while Hope has hit eight fours and two sixes in the 103 balls he’s faced.

West Indies trail India by 235 runs in their second innings after reaching 35 for two at tea on the third day of the second Test here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

Scores

INDIA 518-5 dec’d.

WEST INDIES 248 in 81.5 overs (Alick Athanaze 41, Shai Hope 36, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 34, Anderson Phillip 24 not out, Khary Pierre 23, Tevin Imlach 21, Justin Greaves 17, Jayden Seales 13, John Campbell 10; Kuldeep Yadav 5-82, Ravindra Jadeja 3-46) and 35-2 in 14.3 overs (John Campbell 18 not out, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 10).

Scoreboard of the third day of the second Test between India and West Indies here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday

INDIA 1st innings 518-5 dec’d

WEST INDIES 1st innings

(overnight 140 for four)

John Campbell c Sudharsan b Jadeja 10

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Rahul b Jadeja 34

Alick Athanaze c Jadeja b Yadav 41

Shai Hope b Yadav 36

*Roston Chase c and b Jadeja 0

+Tevin Imlach lbw b Yadav 21

Justin Greaves lbw b Yadav 17

Khary Pierre b Bumrah 23

Jomel Warrican b Siraj 1

Anderson Phillip not out 24

Jayden Seales lbw b Yadav 13

Extras (b5, lb18, nb5) 28

TOTAL (all out; 81.5 overs) 248

Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-87, 3-106, 4-107, 5-156, 6-163, 7-174, 8-175, 9-221, 10-248.

Bowling: Bumrah 14-4-40-1, Siraj 9-2-16-1, Jadeja 19-5-46-3, Yadav 26.5-4-82-5, Sundar 13-2-41-0.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings

John Campbell not out 87

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Gill b Siraj 10

Alick Athanaze b Sundar 7

Shai Hope not out 66

Extras (b2, nb1) 3

TOTAL (two wickets; 49 overs) 173

Yet to bat: Roston Chase, Tevin Imlach, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-35.

Bowling: Siraj 6-2-10-1, Jadeja 14-3-52-0, Sundar 13-3-44-1, Yadav 11-0-53-0, Bumrah 4-2-9-0, Jaiswal 1-0-3-0.

Toss: India elected to bat after winning the toss.

Position: West Indies trail India by 97 runs in their second innings with eight wickets remaining.

Umpires: Paul Reiffel, Richard Illingworth.

TV Umpire: Alex Wharf.

Reserve Umpire: KN Ananthapadmanabhan.

Match Referee: Andy Pycroft.