Category: CANA News

Search, rescue and recovery operations following the capsizing of the MV Barima have intensified with the arrival of maritime assets and personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the Brazilian Navy.

The foreign teams have joined the Guyana-led operation, providing support for diving missions and other specialised recovery efforts at the site of the disaster.

Authorities say 19 vessels and three aircraft are now involved in the operation. Smaller vessels from the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration Department have also been deployed to search inland waterways for any remaining passengers.

Technical teams continue assessing the overturned vessel to determine the safest way to right it and improve access for divers. The recovery plan involves repositioning the wreck before attaching maritime salvage airbags to restore buoyancy. Once refloated, the vessel will be towed closer to shore to allow for continued search and recovery operations.

Three additional bodies were recovered since the previous official update, bringing the number recovered on Wednesday to five. The overall death toll now stands at 65.

Officials said 44 victims have been positively identified by relatives, while 23 bodies have already been released to their families for burial. The number of survivors remains unchanged at 76.

Regional authorities and the Ministry of Health continue to work with grieving families to facilitate identification and the release of victims.

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has declared three days of national mourning in honour of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. National flags are being flown at half-mast throughout the mourning period.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Guyanese gathered Wednesday evening at the Kingston Seawall Bandstand in Georgetown for a National Interfaith Prayer Service to remember the victims and support survivors and their families.

Among those attending were Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Cabinet ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, religious leaders, members of the disciplined services, Indigenous leaders and citizens from across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Phillips described the sinking of the MV Barima as one of the darkest moments in Guyana’s recent history.

He extended condolences on behalf of President Ali, the Government and the people of Guyana, telling grieving families they would not face the difficult days ahead alone.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the ongoing recovery effort and praised the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force, medical personnel, divers, local fishermen, volunteers and private sector partners for their dedication since the disaster.

Additional memorial events are scheduled, with a night of reflection and prayer to be held in Port Kaituma on Thursday and in Mabaruma on Friday.

The Government says every available resource will continue to be deployed until the recovery operation is complete while support remains in place for the families affected by the tragedy.

A Brazilian woman has been remanded into custody after being charged with the murder of her husband at a mining camp in Rock Creek Backdam along the Puruni River, to the south of here.

Doroteia Castilho Maia, 49, of Manaus, Brazil, and Rock Creek Backdam, appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed in the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

She is accused of murdering her husband, Antonio Pereira Figueredo, a 53-year-old Brazilian gold miner, during an altercation at the mining camp on Saturday.

Maia was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge and was remanded to prison. The case was adjourned until August 31.

According to police, the couple became involved in an argument during which Figueredo sustained a fatal stab wound to the abdomen. Investigators recovered a kitchen knife believed to have been used in the incident.

Regional carrier, Sunrise Airways has officially launched a new direct service between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados, with tourism and aviation officials describing the route as a major step towards improving regional connectivity and strengthening economic ties across the Caribbean.

The inaugural flight arrived at Grantley Adams International Airport shortly after noon on Wednesday, marking the start of the airline’s twice-weekly service between the two destinations.

Sunrise Airways Chief Executive Officer Gary Stone said the new route reflects the airline’s ‘One Caribbean’ vision of creating stronger links between islands while expanding opportunities for tourism, trade, business and family travel.

‘We are strengthening commercial, tourism and cultural ties while promoting economic growth and deeper integration as a Caribbean community,’ Stone said.

Founded in 2010 by Haitian former pilot Philippe Bayard, Sunrise Airways began operations in 2012 and has expanded its regional network, offering scheduled passenger and charter services across the Caribbean, North America and Central America.

Stone said the airline now serves 20 destinations and has transported millions of passengers, highlighting its continued commitment to regional aviation.

Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill welcomed the new service, saying it would provide a boost to intra-regional tourism.

‘The Caribbean remains Barbados’ third largest source market,’ he said, noting that the island welcomed more than 102,000 Caribbean visitors last year.

Gooding-Edghill said the new route represents more than an additional flight, describing it as ‘a vital step forward in deepening the bonds of our Caribbean family and strengthening intra-regional travel connectivity.’

He said improved air links are critical to supporting tourism businesses, encouraging investment and keeping Caribbean families connected.

The minister also highlighted the wider benefits of Sunrise Airways’ expanding network, noting that passengers from Barbados will gain easier access to destinations including Haiti, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Martin, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

He added that the airline’s connections to US cities, including Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Newark, could create additional opportunities to strengthen Barbados’ international connectivity.

Sunrise Airways operates a fleet that includes turboprop aircraft, regional jets and Airbus A320 aircraft, allowing the airline to serve both short regional routes and longer international connections.

Guyana has stepped forward to host the 2027 CARIFTA Games, just one week after St Kitts withdrew its bid to host the Caribbean’s top athletic sporting event.

Guyana’s decision to host the Games was revealed by the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) on Thursday, which also announced that Barbados had taken responsibility to host the Games in 2028.

The news comes exactly one week after St Kitts pulled out of hosting the 2027 Games, with the St. Kitts-Nevis Athletics Association and the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee citing that it was ‘not the most ideal time’ for the island.

NACAC Athletics said the commitments followed the swift intervention and support of the CARICOM Heads of Government.

‘On behalf of the NACAC Athletics Council, officials, and athletes of the NACAC Athletics family, I wish to thank the CARICOM Heads for their swift and positive response in support of the CARIFTA Games,’ NACAC Athletics President Mike Sands said during a media briefing.

‘I especially thank President Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mottley of Barbados for agreeing to host CARIFTA 2027 and 2028. This secures the immediate future of what is arguably the world’s premier junior athletics event.’

NACAC is expected to engage the relevant authorities in Guyana and Barbados to support early planning for both editions while continuing discussions with CARICOM leaders on a more sustainable framework for athletics and major youth sporting events in the Caribbean.

The Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it has approved US$232,000 in grant funding to strengthen the capacity of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) across its Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

The region’s premier financial institution said that the garnt will enhance their ability to finance small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), climate resilience, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

The funding was approved under the Special Development Fund (SDF) 11 programme and the technical assistance initiative will support the delivery of four specialised training programmes and the deployment of a web-based SME credit scoring and risk rating platform to participating DFIs throughout the Caribbean.

The project forms part of CDB’s commitment to building stronger financial institutions capable of driving private sector development and increasing access to finance for businesses that are critical to economic growth and resilience.

The CDB said that participating DFIs will receive training in SME credit risk management, specialised sector financing for agriculture and renewable energy, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards and compliance, and climate and sustainability finance instruments.

The programme will also provide participating institutions with access to the SME eSMART digital credit assessment platform, enabling more efficient and consistent evaluation of SME loan applications.

CDB’s vice president of Operations, Dr. Isaac Solomon said lending capital alone is not enough to transform economies.

‘Strong institutions are essential to ensuring that finance reaches the businesses and sectors that will have the greatest development impact. This initiative will equip Development Finance Institutions with the technical expertise and digital tools needed to strengthen lending decisions, support innovation, and expand financing for enterprises that contribute to resilient and inclusive growth across the Caribbean,’ he said.

The CDB said that DFIs play a vital role in addressing financing gaps faced by SMEs, particularly in sectors that are often underserved by commercial lenders. The initiative responds to identified capacity needs across the regional DFI network and is expected to strengthen institutions’ ability to assess credit risk, structure financing for climate and renewable energy investments, integrate ESG considerations into lending, and mobilise finance for sustainable development.

The project will be delivered in partnership with Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS), leveraging regional expertise and internationally recognised training providers to deliver practical, Caribbean-focused learning.

‘The Caribbean’s economic transformation will be driven by entrepreneurs, but enabled by strong institutions,’ said Lisa Harding, Division Chief, Private Sector, CDB.

‘Development Finance Institutions play a pivotal role in unlocking investment for businesses that generate jobs, foster innovation, and build resilience. By strengthening their capacity, CDB is helping to create a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable private sector across the region.’

The programme is expected to benefit at least 11 Development Finance Institutions across the Caribbean, providing training opportunities for more than 300 professionals through a series of online courses delivered over multiple sessions.

The CDB said that the project aligns with CDB’s Strategic Plan 2026-2035 by strengthening institutions, accelerating climate action, advancing digital transformation, and building both economic and environmental resilience across the region.

Following their 3-2 One Day International series loss to New Zealand, West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has accepted that the regional side will have to go through the Qualifiers to book their spot at the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The Windies men began the series 10 points behind Bangladesh for the final automatic qualifying spot, and needing to win all five of their matches to have a realistic chance of overtaking them.

But after a winning start, they were let down by their batters, which resulted in them losing the next three matches before winning the fifth and final match at Kensington Oval on Tuesday.

With just two more remaining ODIs against India in September, it is all but guaranteed that the Windies will have to go through the World Cup Qualifiers, which will see the top four finishers assured a spot at the World Cup.

The Windies last played at the 2019 World Cup, having missed out on the 2023 event after they failed to advance out of the Qualifiers.

While no dates or venues have yet been announced by the ICC for those Qualifiers, speaking in a post-match press conference on Tuesday Sammy said he would love for them to be played in the Caribbean.

‘We have no information on where and when it’s going to be. We do understand though, the qualifying method, but as to when and where [we don’t know]. I did ask the director a question on that earlier this week and he’s going to get back to me on that.

‘If we have a choice, home is where the heart is. I’m pretty sure all the guys would love to play at home in Barbados, Saint Lucia or even Antigua where we do quite well, but it’s out of our hands. Actually, myself and the analyst we were checking during the game to see if there was a possibility, but it looks like we really have to go through the Qualifiers and then book our place,’ Sammy said.

Speaking on the series against New Zealand, the head coach said he was not satisfied with the result.

He said the home side’s batting had let the team down for the majority of the five matches.

‘No, 3-2 is not a fair result at all…before that Sri Lanka series we tried to make home our fortress, and we were on the cusp of doing that. We won the last four series in a row before Sri Lanka, and we wanted to continue winning games.

‘Guyana was a challenge, but yet we started off the series quite well. I think if we reflect and look back, too many opportunities we had to win, the batting really did let us down – especially batting first. It doesn’t matter the score at home, when we’re chasing it’s just a boost of confidence for the guys and I think we really need to change that mindset…but I think 3-2, we were not looking for that result,’ Sammy said.

The Trinidad and Tobago government Wednesday said that all six crew members aboard the fishing vessel, St Vincent VII, have been rescued alive after spending several days in distress at sea.

The Ministry of Defence in a statement said that the rescue followed a coordinated response involving a commercial vessel and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and that all six fishermen had been accounted for and were in reasonably good health, with no remarkable injuries reported.

The vessel departed Chaguaramas, west of here, on July 6 with a six-member crew employed in the yellowfin tuna fishing industry. Four of the crew are Trinidad and Tobago nationals, while the others are a Vincentian and a Guyanese captain, Eshwar Persaud, also known as ‘Shanie’.

According to relatives, the fire broke out around 6:30 a.m. (local time), on July 13 while the vessel was operating near the maritime border between Suriname and French Guiana. There has been no contact with the crew since then.

Amanda Suraj, the wife of crew member Shannon ‘Joey’ Mohammed, had appealed for immediate assistance from neighbouring countries and vessels transiting the area.

She urged regional governments, maritime authorities, coast guards and international search-and-rescue agencies to expand search efforts and remain alert for any sign of the missing vessel or its crew.

In its statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence said that the Maritime Operations Command Centre had received a report at on Tuesday night from the crew of the MV Marvel Kite, which was en route to the United States, indicating that while travelling westward approximately 349 nautical miles east of Galeota, they spotted the fishing vessel St Vincent VII which appeared to be in distress.

The crew of the MV Marvel Kite altered course and approached the vessel, where they found six people on board. The ministry said the identities of those rescued matched those of the crew members previously reported missing.

It said that following confirmation that the fishermen had been located, the Maritime Operations Command Centre directed a Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard vessel to rendezvous with the commercial ship.

The rescue brings a successful conclusion to what had become an anxious search for the six-man crew after the fishing vessel was reported missing and although the ministry did not disclose the circumstances that led to the vessel becoming stranded or experiencing difficulties, it said those rescued appeared to have escaped the ordeal without serious injury.

Defence Minister Wayne Sturge expressed the government’s gratitude to the commercial vessel’s crew for their actions, adding that the government appreciated the assistance provided by the MV Marvel Kite. He said further updates on the incident would be released in the coming hours.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have joined legislators in paying tribute to Trinidadian-American soldier d, who was killed in an Iranian missile strike last week.

Sgt. Rampersad was originally from the Ozone Park neighbourhood of Queens, New York. Her parents, Basdeo and Carol Rampersad, are originally from Trinidad and Tobago.

‘Today, New York mourns the loss of one of our own, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad of Ozone Park, who is believed to have been killed in action while serving our nation on July 17,’ Hochul said, adding ‘my heart is with her family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside her as they grieve this unimaginable loss.

She said Sgt. Rampersad lived a life of ‘courage and selflessness’ and ‘New York and our nation are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve.

‘May we honour her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers,’ she added.

Mamdani said Sgt. Rampersad was killed at a military base in Jordan ‘while serving our country’ and that her ‘courage and sacrifice will be remembered not just in Queens, but across all five boroughs.

‘My deepest condolences are with her family, loved ones, and all those grieving this profound loss. For so many New Yorkers, wars overseas are never distant-they are felt here at home. The sacrifices made by service members and their families are a constant reminder of this,’ Mamdani said, adding ‘we are forever grateful for their service and will work every day to honour it’.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Joann Ariola said in a joint statement that ‘our city mourns the presumed loss of Sgt. Angel Sarah Rampersad, an Ozone Park resident who died this past weekend in Jordan serving her country.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends as they grieve the loss of their beloved. As this conflict continues in the Middle East, we pray that all our service members remain safe and return home to their families.’

New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, representative for the 38th Assembly District, which encompasses Ozone Park, described Sgt. Rampersad as an ‘American hero’.

She told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that Sgt. Rampersad, 28, was serving at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, when it came under enemy attack.

‘She answered America’s call with courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to defending our nation and the freedoms we hold dear. Sgt. Rampersad embodied the very best of the United States Army and of our country.

‘She served far from home, stood in harm’s way, and carried out her duty with honour. Her service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by Ozone Park, Queens, New York City, or a grateful nation.

‘We have a sacred obligation to honor those who wear our nation’s uniform and the families who serve and sacrifice alongside them,’ Rajkumar said, adding ‘as a member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, my commitment is to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who serve and stand with the families who bear that sacrifice alongside them.

‘I stand shoulder to shoulder with her family, especially her parents, Basdeo and Carol, and with all who love her during this unimaginable loss,’ she said.

The Pentagon announced on Tuesday that Sgt. Rampersad ‘is believed to have been killed in action on July 17, 2026, during an enemy attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.

‘The incident is under investigation. US Central Command previously announced this soldier as missing. The soldier status was updated to a Duty Status-Whereabouts Unknown and is believed to be deceased.’

Jamaica police are investigating the gruesome murder of a 10-year-old school child, whose partially nude body was found with her throat slashed on a dirt track in bushes in Tyre district near Troy, Trelawny, northwest of here on Tuesday night.

The authorities have identified her as Shanai Coke, otherwise called ‘Kaidra’, a Troy Primary student.

The police are also investigating the death of Delroy Clarke, killed after a mob attacked him and his father following the discovery of the child’s body. The father’s condition is not known.

Residents have accused Clarke of raping and killing the child.

One resident told the Jamaica Observer newspaper that ‘a farmer went to look for his cow when he stumbled on the little girl’s body’.

Meanwhile, the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) Wednesday condemned the killing saying it is horrified and deeply saddened.

In a statement, the CPFSA said the murder is a painful reminder that too many of Jamaica’s children continue to fall victim to horrific acts of violence perpetrated by adults who should be protecting them.

‘There are simply no words that can lessen the pain of this tragedy. This 10-year-old child should have been given the opportunity to fulfil her dreams; her parents should have been given the chance to see her graduate from primary school, from university, to see her walk down the aisle,’ said CPFSA chief executive officer, Laurette Adams Thomas.

:Instead, she was made to become a statistic, another victim of unspeakable violence. We cannot continue to accept these horrific acts as a normal part of our society. Every time a child is abused or murdered, we fail in our collective duty to protect those who depend on us most,’ she added.

The executive director of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), Dr. Mohammad Rafik Nagdee, Wednesday said that the region’s sustainable energy transition will not be achieved through ambition alone.

‘It will be achieved through institutions that are capable, partnerships that are purposeful, investments that are strategic and leadership that is prepared to act with urgency and foresight,’ he said at the launch of the Accelerated Sustainable Energy and Resilience Transition 2030 (ASERT 2030) Regional Capacity Strengthening Asertive (RCSA) programme.

He said regional countries should seize the opportunity provided through the US$5.29 million initiative, and ‘not simply to implement a programme, but to help shape a more resilient, inclusive, energy-secure and prosperous Caribbean for generations to come’.

The programme is being funded jointly by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and CCREEE with the CDB providing US$4.4 million and CCREEE, US$893,397.

The two regional organisations say the programme comes at a time when renewable energy accounts for only 12 per cent of the Caribbean energy mix and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets are slipping further out of reach.

In his address, Nagdee said the event represents more than the commencement of a new initiative. He said it signals a deliberate shift in how the region approachs sustainable energy development across the Caribbean.

‘Our region has never lacked ambition. Our member states have established renewable energy targets, climate commitments and national development priorities that reflect a clear understanding of where we must go.

‘The greater challenge has been building the institutional strength, technical capacity, data systems, investment pipelines and implementation mechanisms required to translate that ambition into sustained progress,’ Nagdee said, adding ‘that is why the distinction between a programme and a project is important.

‘This is not merely a matter of terminology; it is a matter of strategy. Projects can deliver valuable outputs. However, the transformation of national energy systems cannot be achieved through isolated interventions, disconnected activities or short-term solutions.

‘It requires a long-term, coordinated and programme-based approach – one that strengthens institutions, develops people, improves decision-making, mobilises investment and builds the foundations upon which progress can be sustained and scaled.’

Nagdee said that energy transition before the Caribbean is not simply about replacing one source of electricity with another, but is about redesigning the systems that power our economies and support our societies.

‘It is about strengthening energy security in a region that remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. It is about reducing vulnerability to global price shocks and external disruptions.

‘It is about improving economic competitiveness, creating new industries and employment opportunities, supporting innovation and ensuring that Caribbean people, particularly our young people and women,are equipped to lead and benefit from the transition.

‘Most importantly, it is about resilience. For Small Island Developing States on the front line of climate change, resilient and sustainable energy systems are not an aspiration for the distant future. They are an immediate development imperative.’

Nagdee said across the Caribbean, while significant progress has already been made, institutional, technical and financing constraints continue to affect the speed and scale of implementation.

He said important gaps remain in energy planning, reliable data, investment preparation, specialised expertise and inclusive participation.

He said that the ASERT 2030 Framework, developed under the leadership of the Caribbean Development Bank, responds directly to these realities.

‘It provides a strategic and results-focused platform through which countries can strengthen the systems, institutions and capabilities necessary to accelerate their transition towards resilient, inclusive and low-carbon economies.’

CDB said it will provide technical guidance through its ASERT 2030 Framework, while CCREEE will lead the implementation, drawing on its regional mandate and stewardship of platforms including the CARICOM Energy Knowledge Hub, Energy Report Cards and the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Fellowship programme.

In his address, the CDB’s director of projects, L. O’Reilly Lewis, said across the region, there are abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and marine energy.

‘We have access to rapidly evolving technologies that can support cleaner, more resilient and more efficient energy systems,’ he said, noting that the key barriers to the Caribbean’s energy transition remain, including limited human, technical and institutional capacity that are needed to turn ambition into action.

He said governments, regulators, utilities and energy professionals must be enabled to plan, implement and manage modern energy systems while having access to reliable data and timely technical advice.

‘Without these capabilities, good projects remain concepts, investment opportunities are delayed, and national targets remain out of reach. Capacity strengthening is a fundamental investment to accelerate the Region’s sustainable energy development.

Riley said that the new initiative is helping CDB member countries scale up and accelerate the investments needed to transform the energy sector.

‘This transformation is urgent. Many Caribbean countries remain heavily dependent on imported petroleum products, exposing economies to fuel price volatility and climate risks.

‘The region needs cleaner, more affordable and resilient energy systems. But investment cannot be scaled without stronger institutions, better planning and the capacity to prepare and implement projects. This programme is designed to help close that gap,’ he added.

Riley said that through this programe, CDB and CCREEE will strengthen energy information and knowledge management, integrated resource and resilience planning, gender equality, professional development and regional dialogue.

He said a central focus is the preparation and updating of Integrated Resource and Resilience Plans (IRRPs) in selected member, noting that these plans will assess energy demand, resources, grid needs, and climate risks within a long-term framework to guide future energy investments.

‘IRRPs will identify practical, least-cost and resilient pathways to expand renewable energy, modernise electricity systems and improve energy security. They will also include action plans and priority investments, creating a clearer path from planning to project preparation, financing and implementation.

‘It will promote greater participation of women in the energy sector and facilitate regional knowledge sharing. Together, these activities will improve decision-making and help turn sustainable energy priorities into practical investments and measurable results.’

Riley said that while Caribbean countries face many common constraints, they often lack the scale, expertise or financial resources to address them individually.

‘A regional approach enables us to share expertise, standardise methodologies, transfer lessons between countries, replicate successful solutions and avoid unnecessary duplication. It also gives the Caribbean a stronger voice and expands opportunities to mobilise financing and technical expertise.

By working together, countries can develop solutions that reflect both regional priorities and national circumstances,’ Riley added.