Category: CANA News

A revitalised West Indies outfit delivered a crushing ten-wicket victory over Nepal in the final T20I, preventing a historic whitewash and showcasing the potent talent within their ranks.

Despite the emphatic nature of the win, the result does little to overshadow Nepal’s landmark achievement in securing their first-ever series win against a full member nation after claiming the series 2-1.

Choosing to bowl first on a sluggish Sharjah pitch offering consistent sideways movement, the regional side were vindicated by a disciplined bowling performance.

The tone was set early, with Nepal’s openers finding boundaries hard to come against accurate bowling led by skipper Akeal Hosein.

Player of the series Kushal Bhurtel managed to hit a few lusty blows in his top score of 39, as the visitors put a stranglehold on the home side’s top order, stifling the powerplay that included 20 dot balls.

The pressure told quickly after the fielding restrictions eased, with Hosein and the impressive player of the match, Ramon Simmonds, exploiting the conditions perfectly.

Simmonds, brought in as one of two changes for the must-win encounter, was the game-changer, finishing with remarkable figures of 4-15 from three overs.

His impact was immediate, triggering a catastrophic middle-order collapse for Nepal. In his first two overs, Simmonds removed the dangerous-looking Rohit Paudel for 17 and Aarif Sheikh for 6, while a mix-up saw Gulsan Jha run out for 10.

From a precarious position of 91-5 in the 15th over, Nepal never recovered, with Simmonds mopping up the tail to bowl them out for 122.

The West Indies chase was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Openers Amir Jangoo and Ackeem Auguste extinguished any faint hopes of a Nepal fightback from the very first over, with Jangoo launching a Karan KC delivery onto the stadium roof.

The pair feasted on anything short or wayward, peppering the leg-side boundary with ease. They raced to a 47-run power play, effectively ending the contest within the first six overs. A rare dropped chance by Paudel to reprieve Auguste on 29 was a symbol of Nepal’s deflated energy.

Jangoo was in sublime touch, and after a solid foundation, he shifted into a devastating top gear. He brought up his fifty off just 38 balls and then unleashed a brutal assault, smashing five sixes in his last nine deliveries. The Trinidadian left-hander would finish not out on 74.

At the other end, Auguste provided the perfect foil with 41 not out, as the visitors galloped to their target with a massive 46 balls to spare, securing their first-ever ten-wicket win in T20Is.

Venezuela is seeking closer ties with Suriname and has described as ‘ a new beginning’ discussions held on Monday between Finance and Planning Minister, Adelien Wijnerman and the Venezuelan Ambassador, Ms. Ayezim Y. Flores Rivas,

The Communications Service Suriname (CDS) in a statement following the discussions said that the ‘visit was intended to strengthen the close ties between Suriname and Venezuela’.

It quoted Wijnerman as expressing her appreciation for the initiative and emphasized that Suriname is open to intensive cooperation.

Ambassador Flores Rivas called the meeting ‘a new beginning’ adding that Venezuela, despite the challenges it faces, stands ready to support Suriname in various areas, including education, finance, and the oil and gas sector.

‘During the meeting, various opportunities for cooperation were discussed. For example, the ambassador proposed offering Spanish classes to ministry employees. She also highlighted Venezuela’s investments in education and social projects, which lay the foundation for future joint initiatives,’ the CDS statement stated.

‘Suriname and Venezuela expressed their intention to further expand their cooperation, including through knowledge exchange and training through universities in both countries,’ it said.

Suriname and Venezuela are oil-producing countries.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett has praised the contributions of young people in the socio-economic development of the region.

‘Across the CARICOM, youth are making waves in every sector. They are championing climate resilience and are at the forefront of promoting social equity. Caribbean youth are driving cultural pride and digital innovation, redefining,’ Barnett said in a message marking Caribbean Youth Day 2025

She said that the occasion provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of young people across the region ‘whose energy, creativity, and resilience are essential to the future prosperity of our region’.

She said that in recognition of their evolving realities and aspirations, the Caribbean Youth Development Plan (CYDAP), which acknowledges young people as active agents of change, has been revised to ensure its currency and relevance.

Additionally, a Regional Youth Development Structure is being established to facilitate meaningful ongoing youth engagement and to bridge the intergenerational gap.

The CARICOM Secretary General also applauded ‘the remarkable talent of our young people, including those who represent us with such dignity and pride on the regional, and global stag’ noting their ‘vibrant participation’ at the recent staging of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XV) held in Barbados in August this year.

‘Our young people are vital partners in development. Investing in their skills, talents, and aspirations is fundamental to achieving the broader regional goals of sustainable development, social justice, and regional integration.’

Barnett said that she is urging all stakeholders, governments, civil society, the private sector, and the youth themselves, to renew their commitment to creating an environment where young people can contribute to and participate in decision-making processes, and lead initiatives for positive change.

‘Their voices, perspectives, and actions are crucial in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable Caribbean,’ she added.

In a significant move to secure the future of West Indies cricket, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has officially unveiled its list of players offered International Retainer Contracts for the 2025/26 season.

The new contract cycle, beginning October 1, sees a blend of established stars and exciting newcomers across both the Men’s and Women’s teams.

A key feature of this year’s list is the expanded use of multi-year deals, an initiative designed to provide players with greater financial security and help CWI retain its most valuable assets in the competitive global cricket landscape.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasised the dual focus of the selection process.

‘We have placed a premium on both current performance and long-term potential,’ Bascombe stated. ‘Our strategy is firmly focused on building competitive squads for major global tournaments, ensuring stability for our top performers, and aligning our pathways with long-term success for West Indies cricket.’

The senior Men’s list features 15 players who have become central figures across formats. The exciting pace duo of Alzarri Joseph and breakout sensation Shamar Joseph are retained, alongside batting mainstays like Shai Hope and Brandon King. Spin options Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie are also included, highlighting their importance to the squad.

Notably, the ‘Starter Contracts’ for developing players have been offered to promising teenagers, including young wicketkeeper-batter Jewel Andrew. Furthermore, the Men’s Academy list features a 15-player pool, such as Nathan Edward and Rivaldo Clarke.

The Women’s squad sees a strong core of experienced campaigners like captain Hayley Matthews and legendary Stafanie Taylor. They are joined by key players such as Chinelle Henry and Karishma Ramharack.

The commitment to development is mirrored in the Women’s program, with ‘Starter Contracts’ awarded to Jahzara Claxton and Realeanna Grimmond.

A 14-player Women’s Academy, including names like Trishan Holder and Shabika Gajnabi, rounds out a comprehensive plan to build depth and sustain success for the Maroon women.

West Indies Men’s Contracts 2025/26 Senior Men Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Jomel Warrican.

Starter Contracts (Development) Jewel Andrew, Jediah Blades, Johann Layne,

Men’s Academy Ackeem Auguste, Ryan Bandoo, Jediah Blades, Rivaldo Clarke, Mavendra Dindyal, Giovonte Depeiza, Nathan Edward, Damel Evelyn, Amari Goodridge, Mbeki Joseph, Johann Layne, Zishan Motara, Kelvin Pittman, Renico Smith, Carlon Tuckett.

West Indies Women’s Contracts 2025/26 Senior Women Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews, Ashmini Munisar, Stafanie Taylor, Karishma Ramharack.

Starter Contracts (Development) Jahzara Claxton, Realeanna Grimmond.

Women’s Academy Abigail Bryce, Asabi Callender, NaiJanni Cumberbatch, Shabika Gajanbi, Brianna Harricharan, Trishan Holder, Djenaba Joseph, Nyia Latchman, Samara Ramnath, Amrita Ramtahal, Selena Ross, Shunelle Sawh, Steffie Soogrim, Kate Wilmott.

Scoreboard of the third T20I between West Indies and Nepal here at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

NEPAL

Kushal Bhurtel c Mayers b Hosein 39

Kushal Malla c +Jangoo b Holder 12

*Rohit Paudel c +Jangoo b Simmonds 17

Gulsan Jha run out 10

Sundeep Jora c Allen b Blades 14

Aarif Sheikh c Holder b Simmonds 6

Mohammad Alam run out 3

Lokesh Bam c +Jangoo b Blades 9

Sompal Kami lbw Simmonds 4

Karan KC b Simmonds 0

Shahab Alam not out 0

Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w6) 8

TOTAL (ten wickets; 19.5 overs) 122

Fall of wickets: 1-41, 2-60, 3-75, 4-84, 5-91, 6-105, 7-109, 8-118, 9-118, 10-122.

Bowling: Mayera 2-0-13-0, Hosein 4-0-26-1, Holder 3-0-19-1, Blades 3.5-0-20-2, Gore 3-0-23-0,

Bidaisee 1-0-5-0, Simmonds 3-0-15-4.

WEST INDIES

+Amir Jangoo not out 74

Ackeem Auguste not out 41

Extras (lb4, wd4) 8

TOTAL 0 wickets; 12.2 overs) 123

Did not bat: Kyle Mayers, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein, Navin Bidaisee, Jediah Blades, Ramon Simmonds

Bowling: Paudel 2-0-18-0, Karan 2-0-19-0, Kami 2.2-0-17-0, Mohammad Alam 2-0-24-0, Bhurtel 2-0-17-0, Shahab Alam 2-0-24-0

Toss: West Indies won and elected to field.

Result: West Indies won by 10 wickets

Player-of-the-Match: Ramon Simmonds

Player of the series: Kushal Bhurtel

Series Result: Nepal won the 3-match series 2-1

Umpires: Buddhi Pradhan, Vinay Kumar

TV Umpire: Akbar Ali

Reserve Umpire: Durga Subedi

Match Referee: Narayanan Kutty.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a five year strategic plan that sets out a ‘bold agenda’ towards advancing health and well-being across the Americas, including the Caribbean.

The 2026-31 strategic plan approved at the ongoing PAHO’s 62nd Directing Council, under the theme ‘Together toward a Healthier Americas for All,’ followed extensive consultations with countries and stakeholders, and commits to transformative health outcomes over the next six years, tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, health security, fragmented health systems and services, and the elimination of communicable diseases, amongst others.

‘The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that the Region of the Americas is stronger when we work together,’ said PAHO Director, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.

‘This strategic plan harnesses our collective strength to build resilient health systems, reduce disease burden, and improve health and well-being for all across the Americas,’ he added.

PAHO said that the plan builds on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in health systems while highlighting the power of joint action. It targets measurable impacts in countries, such as reducing maternal mortality, reversing rising suicide rates, and eliminating diseases like leprosy and Chagas.

At the heart of the strategic plan are five strategic objectives that will guide regional health action through 2031, namely accelerating efforts toward health for all, addressing the social determinants of health, environmental challenges, and risk factors as well as building resilient health systems for universal access to health and universal health coverage based on primary health care.

It is also intended to accelerate the disease elimination agenda and better prevent and treat communicable diseases, noncommunicable diseases, and mental health conditions, prevent, prepare, detect, and respond better to health emergencies and bolster the leadership, governance, and performance of PAHO to advance the regional health agenda and deliver technical cooperation that drives public health impact in countries.

PAHO said that the 2026-2031 plan introduces an integrated approach to health for all and features an updated results-based management framework and a streamlined results framework.

It reduces the number of outcomes and indicators while enhancing measurability and transparency.

‘Indicators with realistic, evidence-based targets will sharpen our focus and enable PAHO and its Member States to work towards tangible health outcomes,’ Dr Barbosa added.

To accelerate impact, the plan’s streamlined results framework with evidence-based indicators is supported by high-impact interventions, or ‘accelerators,’ to drive measurable progress and systemic transformation across multiple impact targets and dimensions of health development.

Accelerators build on existing frameworks and proven methods, offering tangible opportunities to scale up interventions rapidly and effectively. Finally, the Plan includes mechanisms for agile and transparent adjustments in response to evolving circumstances.

The PAHO director thanked member states for their collaboration in developing and approving the plan, saying it signals a ‘renewed regional cooperation’ and affirms countries’ commitment to improving health and well-being for all.

‘By working together, we can overcome current challenges and accelerate progress toward health for all people in the Americas,’ he added.

Meanwhile, PAHO has also unveiled a sculpture paying tribute to the health workers of the Americas for their resilience and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic that left a deep mark with more than three million deaths in the region, representing approximately 43 per cent of the global toll.

‘This sculpture is a profound expression of gratitude, remembrance, and solidarity. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and honor those who sustained us during one of the most devastating health challenges of our time,’ said Dr. Barbosa.

PAHO said during the emergency, overwhelmed hospitals and shortages of essential supplies pushed health systems to the brink of collapse. Nevertheless, the response of health personnel was exemplary. In addition to their work in hospitals and intensive care units, health professionals maintained the continuity of essential services: administering vaccines, delivering medicines, and ensuring care for priority groups such as children, pregnant women, and older adults.

Dr. Barbosa said the recognition is dedicated to all health workers in the region, incduing nurses, doctors, technicians, and volunteers, who ‘demonstrate every day that their knowledge, skills, heart, and spirit are devoted to protecting people, especially when they most need to regain their health and well-being.’

The tribute also recalled the leadership of the late Dominican, Dr. Carissa Etienne, former PAHO Director, who guided the organization’s response to the pandemic with timely decisions focused on protecting health workers.

The sculpture stands as a permanent reminder of the courage and humanity demonstrated during the pandemic and as a call to strengthen health systems in preparation to face future challenges.

The design of the piece reflects PAHO’s institutional values-equity, excellence, solidarity, respect, and integrity-and symbolizes the interdependence of all health workers on the frontlines of combating disease.

The piece was originally conceived in 2006 for World Health Day by artist Gilles Collette, who used to work for PAHO. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it was deemed timely to transform this symbol into a three-dimensional bronze sculpture, reigniting its message as a tribute to health workers across the Americas.

The United States Department of State has listed several Caribbean countries in its 2025 Trafficking in Person Report, stating that ‘trafficking in persons’ and ‘human trafficking’ are umbrella terms, often used interchangeably, to refer to a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.

‘When a person younger than 18 is used to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion involved,’ the State Department said, adding that Washington recognizes two primary forms of trafficking in persons, namely sex trafficking and forced labour.

In its report, the State Department has placed The Bahamas, Guyana and Suriname in Tier 1 which it said are those ‘whose governments fully meet the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Belize, Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago have all been placed in Tier 2 ‘ whose governments do not fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards’.

St. Lucia and Barbados have been placed in Tier 2 Watch List ‘whose governments do not fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards (with certain exceptions), and for which the estimated number of victims of severe forms of trafficking is very significant or is significantly increasing, and the country is not taking proportional concrete actions’.

Sint Maarten, Venezuela and Cuba have been placed in Tier 3 ‘whose governments do not fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards and are not making significant efforts to do so.’

The State Department also listed Haiti, along with Libya, Somalia and Yemen in the ‘Special Case’ category.

The State Department said the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (TVPA), defines ‘severe forms of trafficking in persons’ as sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age; or the recruitment, harbouring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

The State Department said more than 180 countries ave ratified or acceded to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (the UN TIP Protocol), which defines trafficking in persons and contains obligations to prevent and combat the crime.

The report says the TVPA directs the US Secretary of State to consider, as proof of a country’s failure to make significant efforts to fully meet the TVPA’s minimum standards, adding that governments on Tier 3 may be subject to certain restrictions on foreign assistance, ‘whereby the President may determine not to provide US government nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related foreign assistance as defined in the TVPA’.

The report states that the US President may also determine to instruct the US executive director of each multilateral development bank and the International Monetary Fun(IMF) to ‘vote against and use their best efforts to deny any loans or other uses of the institutions’ funds to a designated Tier 3 country for most purposes.

The St. Lucia-based Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission says it will launch the second call for proposals for the regional MSME matching grants programme on Friday, saying the initiative presents a golden opportunity for blue economy entrepreneurs.

The programme is a flagship component of the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, which seeks to strengthen blue economy value chains, promote sustainable entrepreneurship, and improve livelihoods across the OECS.

The Commission says that by supporting MSMEs in fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management, the programme not only drives economic growth but also contributes to environmental sustainability and food security.

Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the OECS Commission, ‘UBEC is building a resilient, competitive, and sustainable Blue Economy across the Eastern Caribbean,’ the Commission said.

It said that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management now have the chance to strengthen and expand their businesses with grant funding ranging from US$5,000 to US$25,000. T

The Commission said that the project is already transforming businesses and improving livelihoods in Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with MSMEs in the three participating islands already being awarded grants from the previous call for proposals earlier this year.

‘The regional MSME matching grants programme continues to make significant strides in advancing blue economy efforts within the OECS. To date, 28 grants valued at over US$500,000 have been awarded to MSMEs,’ said UBEC’s senior grants advisor, Kyle Garnes.

‘In addition, the programme has begun delivering tailored capacity-building and training services to MSMEs in waste management, fisheries, and tourism. Training has already commenced in St. Lucia, with more than 25 MSMEs actively participating, while rollouts in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are scheduled for the weeks of October 13, and October 20.’

The Commission said that individual MSMEs in the three OECS countries may be may be eligible if they are legally registered and have been in operation for at least two years, with supporting financial or bank statements.

Guyana has officially launched GuyExpo 2025 calling for large and small-scale businesses and entrepreneurs to take the opportunity to showcase their products to local and international customers.

The November 13-16 event will be held under the theme ‘Transformation Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Susan Rodrigues said this year’s event will have new features to enhance its impact describing GuyExpo as both a legacy and a living platform that must evolve with the country’s rapidly changing economy.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues addressing the launch of GuyExpo 2025.

‘Guyexpo is unmatched in terms of exposure; it offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local consumers but to international investors and partners,’ Rodrigues told the ceremony on Monday night, noting that even with the changes, the exposition will still promote the economy’s dynamism while preserving its core identity.

‘We are creating a dedicated space for businesses and investors to engage in serious conversation about collaboration and expansion.

‘The vision is not only to sustain the legacy but to reimagine and elevate this national showcase, ensuring that it remains relevant to the dynamism of the economy while preserving its core identity,’ she said

She said this networking component will be supported by the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest), whose expertise will be pivotal in linking entrepreneurs with investors.

‘The physical layout of the expo will also undergo a transformation, while the traditional elements that Guyanese have come to cherish, such as the vibrant food courts, the children’s area and tourism village, will remain. These features will be enhanced for greater prominence and impact,’ Rodrigues explained.

The organisers say businesses that have grown with GuyExpo in the past three decades will also be honoured, while illuminated signs and improved directional systems will be introduced.

‘GuyExpo is unmatched in terms of exposure. It offers a rare platform to showcase products and services not only to local consumers but to international partners and investors,’ Rodrigues stressed, encouraging private sector players to seize the opportunity.

Rodriques said that while GuyExpo is being supported by the government, the private sector will be integrally involved in the trade exhibition that was first launched in 1995 and has been the longest-standing trade expo in Guyana, attracting hundreds of exhibitors each year.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) agriculture ministers meet here on Tuesday focusing on a wide range of issues including the status and trends in fisheries and aquaculture production, trade, and employment; initiatives to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and a new grievance redress mechanism for the Belize-based Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM).

The meeting forms part of the activities for the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA 2025) that got underway here on Monday with St. Kitts and Nevis Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister, Samal Duggins, highlighting the central role of agriculture in regional development and resilience.

Agriculture Minister, Samal Duggins, addressing the opening of the Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA 2025)

‘Agriculture is not just another sector. It is the very lifeblood of our people. It is the guarantee that every family can access healthy and nutritious food,’ he said in his feature address, reflecting also on the CWA 2025 theme ‘Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience: Transforming our Caribbean Food Systems for 2025, saying that the ‘seeds we plant here today, the policies we shape, the partnerships we build, will determine the resilience and the prosperity that we shall reap tomorrow’.

He urged regional leaders to confront long-standing challenges and elevate the agricultural agenda.

‘Our region has not always given agriculture the priority it deserves. Too often, it has been seen as a last resort, rather than recognised as a pillar of sovereignty and a pillar of growth,’ Duggins said, outlining efforts being made locally including the food import reduction programme, which prioritises local investment to increase the production of high-demand crops such as bananas, plantains, coconuts, and pineapples..

‘We are scaling climate-smart practices, expanding agro-processing, and empowering our youth and women to lead in this very transformation,’ he said, acknowledging the importance of unified regional efforts and emphasising the value of South-South cooperation, particularly through strengthening relationships with African nations.

He said the twin island Federation has been actively forging closer ties with countries like Nigeria and that such South-South collaboration enables shared learning in climate-smart agriculture, the creation of cross-continental value chains, and the development of deeper trade and innovation networks.

The agriculture ministers meeting, which will be chaired by Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development, Industry, Commerce, Lands, Planning, Water, and Natural Resources, Kyle Hodge, will also discuss a regional training and capacity needs assessment being undertaken by the CRFM with support from GRÓ-Fisheries Training Programme (FTP), under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as well as south-south cooperation with China.

The ministers will also receive updates and provide policy guidance on regional initiatives to address climate resilience and blue economic growth. These include the Global Affairs Canada-funded Sustainable Technologies for Adaptation and Resilience in Fisheries (STAR-Fish) Project; the GEF/CAF/FAO/CRFM BE-CLME+ Project: Promoting National Blue Economy Priorities through Marine Spatial Planning in the Caribbean Large Marine Ecosystem Plus (BE-CLME+); and the New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute: Plant and Food Research Group/CRFM Sargassum Products for Climate Resilience in the Caribbean Project.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will this week launch its landmark Common Apiculture Policy coinciding with the 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Agriculture meeting.

The policy, developed under the EU-funded BioSPACE Programme in collaboration with regional partners, seeks to protect bees as vital pollinators while strengthening the apiculture sector through sustainable practices, standardized approaches, and research-driven strategies.

‘We are going to have a technical paper and presentation presented within CWA so this is something that will be very pertinent for people like beekeepers, people who want to get into the apiculture space and policy makers,’ said Beekeeper at the Department of Agriculture here, Monroe Tweed.

‘What it is basically it is a document about how we would like to flesh out how we (standardise) beekeeping in the region and not just in St. Kitts but this is a document that’s been building up for a number of years with baseline studies funded by Small Grant Programs (SGPs)

‘We would also like to do an IPM which is an Integrated Pest Management paper because bees have their own pests, especially in the climate that we are in. It is an agricultural venture now so we must consider that as good stewards of bees.’

As part of the celebrations, the OECS-CARICOM Caribbean Honey Show will also be featured during CWA 2025, offering patrons the opportunity to taste and purchase honey and related products, including soaps made from beeswax, honey cocktails, pastries, and more.

On Wednesday, the CRFM will partner with the local Department of Marine Resources and the National Fisherfolk Organization to convene the Caribbean Small-scale Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum.