Category: CANA News

A High Court Wednesday granted Housing Minister Dr. David Lee bail in the sum of one million dollars (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) less than 24 hours after he was arrested by police on charges relating to tax exemption for parliamentarians on a luxury vehicle.

Businessman Hugh Leong Poi, who was also arrested with Lee, was also granted TT$600,000 bail.

Housing Minister Dr. David Lee

The two men appeared before Master Lisa Singh-Phillip where the minister was granted bail with one surety, while Leong Poi was granted bail with his named surety approved by the court.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad says she remains confident that the courts will ‘deliver a just result’ with respect to Lee, who along with the businessman, had been taken into custody by police on Tuesday.

‘We have respect for the courts of the land. Minister Lee was acquitted of these allegations before. Now that the charges have been relaid we have confidence in the courts to deliver a just result,’ she said in a brief statement.

On Tuesday, the police said that judicial warrants had been issued for the ‘apprehension’ of Lee and businessman Hugh Leong Poi.

The statement gave no details why the warrants were issued , but added that ‘in accordance with the legal mandate and without delay, both individuals were taken into custody by officers of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, and are presently undergoing standard processing procedures.

‘The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service remains committed to upholding the rule of law and executing all judicial instructions with integrity, impartiality, and procedural rigour,’ the statement said.

Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles, has called on Prime Minister Persad Bissessar to immediately inform the country whether Lee will continue to serve as a minister of Government while facing criminal charges.

Businessman Hugh Leong Poi stands next to the Mercedes G wagon at the center of the court case.

Prior to the April 28 general election, Lee was cleared of fraud charges related to tax exemptions on his vehicle as a parliamentarian.

Acting Chief Magistrate Christine Charles dismissed the charges of conspiracy to defraud and misbehaviour in public office after upholding a no-case submission presented by Lee’s legal team, led by Wayne Sturge and Mario Merritt.

The magistrate ruled that the prosecution presented insufficient evidence to sustain the charges or proceed to trial. She also acquitted Leong Poi of Sport Outlet Limited, who faced a joint charge with Lee for conspiracy to defraud.

In September 2022, authorities accused the pair of conspiring to defraud the state of TT$1.4 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) in tax revenue related to the importation of a Mercedes Benz G63 AMG, valued at over two million dollars.

The charges involved TT$293,094.02 in Value Added Tax (VAT), TT$298,650 in motor vehicle tax, and TT$824,548.62 in customs duty.

Prosecutors had alleged that Lee falsely claimed ownership of the vehicle to benefit from tax exemptions granted to MPs. The alleged offences occurred between 24 March and 8 June 2019.

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Roger Gaspard, had appealed the acting Chief Magistrate’s ruling and according to the warrant, issued by Justice Hayden St Clair-Douglas, he was of the opinion that the evidence before acting Chief Magistrate ‘was sufficient to put the said Hugh Leong Poi together with another person, on trial for conspiracy to defraud and misbehaviour in public office.

‘This is to command you forthwith to apprehend Hugh Leong Poi and to convey the said Hugh Leong Poi to the Port of Spain Prisons.and there deliver him to the keeper of the said prisons together with this warrant,’ according to the warrant that was signed by the judge on October 6.

The first physical appearance of the two men before the High Court will be scheduled once the DPP formally files the indictment, confirming the matter is proceeding to trial.

Jamaica has formally submitted its candidature for re-election to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with elections scheduled for December 2025.

Under Secretary for the Foreign Trade Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Jamaica’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Esmond Reid, said that Jamaica is actively seeking the support of the IMO membership in its bid for re-election to Category C of the Council.

‘We hope to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to global oceans advocacy and the work of the IMO Council,’ he said, pointing out that the Caribbean country has made significant strides in advancing its marine stewardship mandate.

He said a noteworthy achievement is Jamaica’s progress in safeguarding 15 per cent of its territorial waters at the national level, alongside its active role in advancing regional cooperation through the draft CARICOM Ocean Policy.

‘We also celebrate achievements on the international stage, including the consensual adoption of the Nice Declaration at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025, and the milestone ratification by over 60 countries of the High Seas Treaty earlier this month,’ the Under Secretary said.

Reid said that this historic step has paved the way for the agreement’s entry into force in January 2026, marking a significant milestone in regional maritime cooperation.

‘Looking ahead, Jamaica will continue to play an active and valuable role in the international maritime sector, both as a trusted partner of the IMO and four other international partners,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Reid noted that the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 30), scheduled for November in Belém, Brazil, presents a critical opportunity to advance the climate-ocean nexus.

He also pointed out that, as host country of the International Seabed Authority and the only Caribbean small island developing state represented on the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, ‘Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to championing ocean governance within the multilateral arena’

A tropical storm watch has gone into effect for several Caribbean islands as Tropical Storm Jerry is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that the storm is located about 835 miles east sout east of the northern Leeward Islands and has maximum sustained winds of 50 miles per hour (mph).

A tropical storm watch is in effect for Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba , St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe and the adjacent islands.

The NHC said that interests elsewhere in the northern Leeward Islands and the British and U.S. Virgin Islands should monitor the progress of Jerry, the 10th named storm of this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season that ends in November.

The NHC said that Jerry is moving toward the west-northwest near 23 mph and that this

general motion is expected to continue with a decrease in forward speed during the next couple of days, followed by a turn toward the north-northwest and north beginning on Friday. ‘On the forecast track, the core of the system is expected to be near or to the north of the northern Leeward Islands late Thursday and Friday. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Strengthening is expected during the next few days, and Jerry is forecast to become a hurricane on Thursday,’ the NHC said.

The NHC said that on Thursday into early Friday, rainfall of between two to four 4 inches is expected across the Leeward Islands with a risk of flash flooding, especially in areas of higher terrain.

It said swells generated by Jerry are expected to reach the Leeward and Windward Islands on Thursday, then spread westward toward the Greater Antilles on Friday.

‘These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.’

Silver medalist Akeem Stewart was showered with praises on his return home on Monday from the recently concluded World Para Athletics Championships in India.

Stewart, who finished second in the men’s F44 discus with a season’s best throw of 59.64 metres, was met by officials from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA)and the Sport Company of T and T (SporTT) at the Piarco International Airport.

Akeem Stewart copped silver at the just concluded World Para Athletics Championships

An ecstatic Stewart was satisfied with his performance, as it was his first medal since 2017.

‘I was sick leading up to the games, and it looks bad on an athlete to prepare, train hard and not perform. Winning this is something I really wanted. Silver is a steppingstone in the right direction,’ Stewart said.

Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Phillip Watts spoke highly of Stewart.

‘Akeem has once again proven that resilience, dedication, and the heart of a champion are the true hallmarks of a titan.

‘His silver medal is not just a personal victory but a beacon of inspiration for our entire nation,’ Watts said.

‘On behalf of the Government and the proud citizens of T and T, I extend our deepest congratulations. We are immensely proud of his achievement on the world stage, and the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our athletes as they continue to fly our flag high.’

Electoral officials say that voter confirmation process in Dominica is set to begin next Wednesday with the mission being to to modernise the electoral process, making it transparent, inclusive, more efficient, and credible.

‘For many years, electoral reform and modernisation have been central to national dialogue in Dominica. It has been a process marked by reflection, consultation, and commitment, all driven by a shared goal: to strengthen our democracy and ensure that every vote truly counts,’ said the chairman of the Electoral Commission, Duncan Stowe.

Duncan Stowe speaking at news conference

He told a news conference that the mission is clear and it is to ‘modernise the electoral process, making it transparent, inclusive, more efficient, and credible,’ adding ‘we have sought to enhance transparency, build trust, embrace responsible use of technology, and ensure that the system works fairly for every Dominican’.

The Electoral Reform legislation was passed earlier this year by parliament and Stowe said that since the passage of the legislation the Electoral Commission has been working diligently to operationalise the reforms, including training personnel, strengthening systems, and preparing for full implementation.

‘It has not been without challenges, but the progress has been steady and determined. Today we announce that we are ready to begin the confirmation process from October 15 2025,’ Stowe said, adding that the Commission believes that ‘democracy must continually evolve to serve the people.

‘This reform is more than an administrative change , it is a renewal of trust between the people and the institutions that safeguard their voice. We have come a long way, and though challenges remain, we are proud of our progress and confident in the work ahead,’ Stowe added.

Chief elections officer, Anthia Joseph, said that the voter confirmation process will take place over the next 15 months.

The main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) has in the past expressed serious concerns regarding the electoral reform legislation calling for amendments to ensure fair, free, and credible elections in Dominica.

The UWP argues that while the proposed reforms aim to address long-standing issues within the electoral process, they fall short of meeting public expectations for genuine change.

Among the concerns include the integrity of the voter registration system with the party calling for a complete re-registration of voters to ensure an accurate and legitimate electoral roll.

Suriname is seeking to become the first country in the world to issue Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), a new mechanism within the Paris Climate Agreement, similar to carbon credits and is looking to the German-based Deutsche Bank for assistance.

A delegation from the Frankfurt based multinational investment bank and financial services company, held talks on Tuesday with President Jennifer Greelings-Simons to explore possibilities for cooperation.

According to the Communications Service Suriname (CDS), the government’s information and communication service responsible for disseminating information to the public, the meeting was also attended by the Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment, Patrick Brunings.

It said that the bank delegation is in the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to assess the country’s preconditions and potential in this area.

‘While the delegation conducts its investigation, we are examining how we can better protect our forests, what mechanisms we already have in place, and, above all, how any proceeds can be spent responsibly,’ said Brunings.

He said that ITMOs, although related to carbon credits, are a new international instrument under the Paris Agreement.

‘The value of one ITMO is around US$25, and Suriname has an estimated 4.5 million ITMOs to trade,’ Brunings said, adding that the ‘revenues must be used for environmental projects. ‘Suriname must therefore not only protect its forests but also make clear how the resources are being used,’ Brunings said.

The meeting proposed the establishment of a technical team with representatives from various ministries and experts, under the supervision of an oversight committee including the Head of State.

CDS said that the team will investigate the feasibility of ITMO projects and oversee the process and Brunings said it could be installed ‘as soon as possible.

‘We want to proceed carefully, but it looks promising. The world of carbon credits is developing rapidly, and Suriname now has a serious potential partner who is considering our options..

‘If we approach this project properly, we’ll start with US$25 per ITMO, but in the long run, the sky’s the limit,’ Brunings said, adding ‘that depends on how seriously we, as Surinamese, take protecting our environment’.

‘We don’t want to rush anything, but the outlook is positive. The world of carbon credits is constantly evolving, including in terms of regulations. With Deutsche Bank, we now have a serious partner who is investigating feasibility. If it turns out we’re ready for the next step, this could be the start of something promising,’ he said.

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) says four regional countries have signed on to the agreement formalising their membership in the 22-year-old institution, inaugurated here in March 2003.

The CRFM said that Anguilla, The Bahamas, Dominica, and Montserrat signed the agreement during the recently held Caribbean Week of Agriculture in St. Kitts and Nevis.

‘Currently, there are 17 member states of the CRFM that have been actively involved in the effective management of the organization. The CRFM prides itself on meeting the needs of its members with the available resources,’ said CRFM executive director, Dr. Marc Williams.

‘When attracting resources to support the implementation of our work program and alleviate the financial burden on member states, the CRFM is frequently asked about its governance framework.’

He said that the CRFM has in the past adopted several key policies to improve its governance framework, including the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP), which enables participating states to collectively undertake the scientific research and studies necessary to determine the status of fish stocks, determine available fishing opportunities, and develop rational harvest strategies and fisheries management plans to ensure optimum sustainable use of the resources and protect the ecosystems.

In addition, the Personal Data Protection Policy ensures that the roles and responsibilities of employees of the CRFM Secretariat are clearly defined, understood, and followed by all employees, and which provides procedural guidance on how the CRFM Secretariat and its governance bodies will implement the Policy;.

The other policies implemented are the Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy and the Whistleblower Policy.

Williams said that the CRFM is making a conscious effort to ensure that its initiatives are gender-sensitive and considerate of the needs of youth and indigenous peoples.

The London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Wednesday said that it has officially launched the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade designed to modernise trade rules, strengthen competitiveness, and drive inclusive growth in the digital economy.

In a statement, it said that the launch took place in Jamaica during the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s (CTU) late last month.

‘The launch in the Caribbean is not the end, but the start of a new phase of action. The Commonwealth Secretariat has committed to supporting member states through a regional pilot programme that encourages peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and cooperation between member states.

‘In addition, work has begun on the development of regional digital trade roadmaps to promote interoperability of laws across borders, strengthen regional economic corridors, and integrate supply chains into global networks,’ the statement said.

It said that the model law is accompanied by an implementation guide and aligns with te Commonwealth Secretariat’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which aims to boost economic resilience across its member countries.

‘The Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade responds to the reality that most existing trade laws were designed for a paper-based economy, while many of today’s businesses operate digitally, across jurisdictions, and in real-time. Part of the appeal of the Commonwealth’s role is that its 56 member countries already trade with each other, and many of those countries also share a common legal system,’ the statement said.

The Secretariat noted that the model law saves time and cost for legislative drafters by providing an easily customisable template that can accommodate adaptation to local context as well as existing legislation and regulations.

‘It provides governments with a harmonised framework to legally recognise electronic communications, contracts, signatures, and transferable digital records. Once implemented, businesses can replace outdated, manual processes with faster, cheaper, and more secure digital trade systems.’

Adviser and head of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda at the Commonwealth Secretariat, Rajiv Babooram, said digital trade does not succeed on technology alone.

‘It requires trust, certainty, and legal frameworks that make an electronic document as valid as one printed and stamped, a digital signature as enforceable as one written by hand, and an online transaction as secure as one done face-to-face. Legal reform is not an option; it is the foundation on which our digital economy must be built.’

Minister of Public Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Domestic Transport, Information, Communication and Technology and Posts in St Kitts and Nevis, Konris Maynard, in endorsing the model law, cited the efficiency gains for the government and the enhanced global competitiveness for his country’s businesses.

‘I am happy to advise that St Kitts and Nevis will be the first country in the Caribbean to pilot the Commonwealth Model Law on Digital Trade, and we are looking forward to paving the way ahead for regional alignment’.

For his part, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister for Information, Broadcasting, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Melford Nicholas, said the ‘Caribbean region holds significant potential for innovative, bankable business ideas and we need is for MSMEs to be able to reach international markets.

‘To make this happen we must put in place the legal framework that creates a business-friendly environment by reducing compliance costs and seamless processing of transactions, by companies large and small, to reach global markets.’

The Commonwealth Secretariat said that the economic case for adoption is compelling. The updated Quantitive Analysis of the Move to Paperless Trade Report shows that full implementation of digital trade frameworks across the Commonwealth could generate up to US$1.2 trillion in efficiency and growth gains by 2026, including US$90 billion in additional intra-Commonwealth trade.

For businesses, particularly micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), legal modernisation translates into faster transaction times, reduced compliance burdens, and access to new markets.

Real-world examples prove the business case. In jurisdictions that have reformed similar laws, transaction times have been reduced from months to hours, costs have dropped by as much as 80 per cent and productivity has increased by 60 per cent, it added.

President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde has been appointed to serve on FIFA’s Men’s National Team Competitions Committee.

The appointment, which will run from 2025 to 2029, sees Forde join a distinguished panel responsible for shaping policies and overseeing all matters related to men’s national team tournaments worldwide.

Wayne Forde

The committee plays a pivotal role in guiding the development and organization of major competitions under FIFA’s umbrella, including the FIFA World Cup and Continental Qualifiers.

In a statement, FIFA expressed its ‘pleasure and honour’ in extending this appointment, which falls in line with the governing body’s statutes and governance regulations.

According to the GFF, Forde’s appointment represents a milestone achievement that highlights Guyana’s increasing influence in global football governance.

The GFF noted, that Forde’s inclusion underscores the growing respect for Guyana’s leadership and contribution to football administration and development at the international level.

Belizeans residing on the island of Caye Caulker are on Wednesday voting to decide whether marijuana should be legalised for production and sale three years after the process had been shelved.

In 2022, Belize almost legalised recreational marijuana with the government being forced to re-think its position, despite have legislation ready.

The authorities faced a backlash from churches and some medical practitioners and despite plans for a national referendum, the cost forced the idea to be shelved.

Now, three years later, the debate is back, but on a smaller stage with Caye Caulker’s village councilor, Ilya Rosado, securing an island-wide vote to decide if the community should allow a regulated cannabis industry.

‘My community has many needs and most of that are things like infrastructure. I have people in my community living without water and electricity. We need proper streets. Our schools need help in terms of their own facilities, their own infrastructure, and we never have enough revenue to be able to render the assistance that I’d like to help,’ Rosado has said.

Caye Caulker is a small, laid-back Caribbean island in Belize known for its relaxed ‘Go Slow’ motto, beautiful turquoise waters, and vibrant atmosphere, offering activities like snorkeling, diving, and sailing near the Belize Barrier Reef.

The island has a car-free policy, with golf carts and bicycles as the main modes of transport, and is a popular destination for backpackers and travelers seeking a slower pace of life

The Belizeans are voting on the question ‘Should the government of Belize pass legislation to create a responsible, regulated and taxable legal cannabis industry on the island of Caye Caulker, with a portion of the revenue going directly for the benefit of Caye Caulker and its residents?’.

There are 1, 444 registered voters in Caye Caulker Village and the Chief Elections Officer, Josephine Tamai, said normally the trend for a referendum is that ‘you have a lower vote there not, but because I know that this issue is one that is very dear to residents of Caye Caulker so I’m hoping that persons will come out to cast their vote.

‘We know that the result would be as majority, so whatever the result is, majority of the persons would’ve voted for either a yes or a no vote. I want to stay at home thinking that their voices will be heard, I want to encourage them to come out because that is the only way either your yes or no votes will be counted if you come out and cast your votes.’

Tamai said the poll will be monitored by individual non government organizations (NGO) to keep the exercise free of political interference.

She says given that Caye Caulker is a relatively small constituency, she anticipates that the results will be known quickly.