Category: CANA News

The heads of the judiciary of several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries Tuesday said they have taken note of recent public reports regarding the administration and functioning of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

In a joint statement, the heads of the judiciary of Barbados, The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana, The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago said that the CCJ ‘occupies a position of profound importance as a regional institution and within the regional judicial architecture’.

Their statement followed a report in the Trinidad and Tobago Sunday Express newspaper claiming that the CCJ President, Justice Winston Anderson, had been accused by a majority of his fellow judges of governing the regional court in an ‘authoritarian’ and ‘dictatorial’ manner

The newspaper said that the complaints range from unilaterally imposing a judicial dress code to allegations of ‘panel fixing’ and attempts to influence the outcome of cases.

The judicial leaders whose countries subscribe to the Original and or Appellate jurisdictions of the CCJ that was established on 16 April 2005, following the signing of its founding agreement on 14 February 2001, said the court is also vested with the power to adjudicate on matters involving the Revised Treaty of Chaguramas that governs the regional integration movement.

‘Its authority, like that of all courts, rests upon public confidence in the independence, impartiality, integrity and competence of its judges,’ they said, adding ‘we do not consider it appropriate to comment upon the merits of statements or allegations attributed to individual judges, nor upon matters arising within the internal deliberative or administrative processes of the Court.

‘However, we express grave concern about the breach of confidentiality which resulted in the disclosure of what appear to be internal communications.’

The heads of the judiciary say they ‘remain confident in the Caribbean Court of Justice as a vital regional judicial institution and in the commitment of its judges to the principles which underpin the administration of justice throughout the Caribbean.

‘The Heads of Judiciary reaffirm their commitment to the independence of all regional judiciaries, the institutional integrity of the Caribbean Court of Justice, and the enduring importance of maintaining public trust and confidence in the courts of the region,’ they said in the statement.

In a statement to the Sunday Express newspaper, the CCJ said it ‘is mindful that questions and allegations presented without the benefit of context, background, or an appreciation of the nature of judicial deliberations, collegial discussions, and institutional governance may lend themselves to misunderstanding or mischaracterisation.

‘For that reason, the Court wishes to reaffirm that the Judges of the Caribbean Court of Justice remain committed to the tenets of judicial conduct enshrined in the United Nations Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct-independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, competence, and diligence.

‘Maintaining public confidence in the Court is fundamental to upholding the rule of law and preserving trust in the administration of justice. The Caribbean Court of Justice remains committed to providing accessible fair and efficient justice for the people and states of the Caribbean Community.’

Prime Minister Gaston Browne Tuesday said that he is ‘seeking public advice’ regarding the removal of ‘under-performing members of the Judiciary from the jurisdiction’.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Browne said the Parliament has increased the maximum sentence to 15 years for gun crime in Antigua and Barbuda.

‘We were advised by members of the judiciary that no minimum sentencing should be legislated, which will fetter discretion and would constitute a trespass on the domain of the judiciary,’ Browne wrote.

‘However, we find that some in the judiciary are abusing the discretion in law, by imposing lenient sentences on repeat offenders and others who have committed heinous crimes. ‘

Browne said that these short sentences have now resulted in approximately 250 repeat offenders, who are stretching law enforcement capabilities and putting the entire society at risk.

‘The Executive has the authority to ask for the removal of these under-performing members of the Judiciary from the jurisdiction,’ he said, asking ‘alternatively, if the court refuses to remove them from the jurisdiction and they are non-belongers – should the Executive exercise its right to remove them from the state in the interest of national security and protection of the citizenry from these criminals ?

‘Seeking public advice,’ Browne wrote.

Prime Minister Browne latest statement follows Monday’s meeting of security officials here which he chaired in which he called for greater cooperation between the judiciary, parliament and the executive in addressing the recent increase in crime and violence, while emphasizing the need for sentences that are proportionate to the seriousness of criminal offences.

Prime Minister Browne told the meeting that he is particularly concerned that repeat offenders and persons convicted of gun-related crimes were receiving sentences which, in his view, did not adequately reflect the seriousness of their offences.

While he acknowledged the constitutional separation of powers among the Judiciary, Executive and Parliament, Browne said there must nevertheless be a degree of cooperation among the three branches in fulfilling their respective responsibilities for the governance and security of the country.

‘We are asking for your cooperation. We are demanding it in order to keep our country safe,’ he told the meeting even as reiterated that his comments were not intended to undermine the independence of the Judiciary.

In March this year, Prime Minister Browne called on Caribbean courts to comply with legislation approved by parliaments that increases fines and jail terms for persons involved in gun-related crimes.

‘The magistracy, the judiciary generally, I’m saying here, step up. Otherwise, you’re going to destroy these countries inadvertently by showing that you’re all-powerful and you’re independent.

‘That is not the type of, let’s say, governance ethos that we wish to see within the judiciary. We know you’re independent, but God damn it, man. We say increase the fines, increase the penalties, increase the custodial sentences of people involved in gun crimes,’ Browne said as police investigated the murders of 17-year-old Omari Lewis and his 18-year-old friend, Brianna Clark, in what residents had described as an execution-style shooting, believed to be carried out from a moving vehicle.

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has established a new regional reference referral laboratory here, boosting the region’s capacity to track, test and respond to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Health and wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tifton said that the facility will strengthen surveillance, improve clinical decision-making and reduce the Caribbean’s dependence on overseas testing.

‘The establishment of the lab will significantly strengthen our ability to identify resistant organisms more quickly, improve surveillance, guide appropriate treatment decisions, and provide valuable evidence supporting national policy and clinical practice.

‘It also reduces dependence on overseas referral testing while improving access to high-quality laboratory services across the Caribbean,’ he added.

Tufton said that the facility complements the work of Jamaica’s National Public Health Laboratory, hospital laboratories, infection prevention and control teams and clinicians and pharmacists, while supporting the country’s National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.

He said Jamaica has been strengthening its surveillance systems, promoting responsible antibiotic prescribing, advancing antimicrobial stewardship and increasing public awareness about the appropriate use of antibiotics.

‘We are not sitting down and doing nothing. What this does is add capacity, and it also allows us to do even more,’ he added.

The AMR Regional Reference Referral Laboratory will serve as a regional hub for advanced testing, surveillance and technical support, enhancing the Caribbean’s ability to detect and respond to drug-resistant infections, while supporting evidence-based public health decision-making across CARPHA member states.

The wait is finally over. Caribbean Premier League cricket is back in Jamaica, and Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Minister, Olivia Grange, is rolling out the red carpet for fans, regional neighbours, and international visitors alike as the Jamaica Kingsmen prepare to make their home debut at the iconic Sabina Park.

The Kingsmen will host four blockbuster night matches this month, beginning Tuesday, August 11 against the Barbados Tridents, followed by clashes with the Guyana Amazon Warriors (August 13), Trinbago Knight Riders (August 15), and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots (August 18).

All matches are set for 7:00 p.m. starts under the Sabina Park lights.

‘We are back, and we are in it to win it,’ declared Minister Grange, whose passion for the game was unmistakable.

‘The spirit of ‘We Are Tallawah’ remains strong in the hearts of Jamaican cricket fans. That same passion, pride, and fighting spirit now continues with the Jamaica Kingsmen.’

The return of a Jamaican franchise to the CPL represents more than just cricket.

Minister Grange hailed the public-private partnership that made it possible, involving her Ministry, the Ministry of Tourism, the Caribbean Premier League, and Kingsmen Sports Enterprise.

The arrangement, she noted, is designed to maximise value for Jamaica through tourism promotion, youth development, women’s cricket advancement, and the global showcasing of Brand Jamaica, all while keeping additional costs to the public purse to a minimum.

‘This partnership allows us to advance grassroots cricket for our boys and girls, support the development of women’s cricket, and highlight the best of Jamaican culture and entertainment on an international stage,’ Minister Grange explained. ‘Come for the cricket. Stay for the culture.’

With an unmistakable sense of pride, the Minister extended a warm welcome to the diaspora and regional visitors, encouraging them to take advantage of specially curated travel packages available through Visit Jamaica.

‘There is no better place in the region to watch, feel, and celebrate T20 cricket than right here in Kingston,’ she proclaimed. ‘When you come to Sabina Park you will not only see world-class cricket, you will experience Jamaica: our music, our food, our energy, and our people.’

Minister Grange issued a rallying cry to fans across the island and beyond, urging them to pack Sabina Park and demonstrate the unique atmosphere that only Jamaican supporters can deliver.

‘Let us fill Sabina Park. Let us show the region and the world the unique atmosphere that only Jamaica can provide,’ she said. ‘We Are Tallawah, and now we rise with the Kingsmen.’

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has held talks with representatives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to discuss developments in Guyana’s poultry industry after the authorities agreed to the temporary importation of approximately 330,000 pounds of chicken per week

During the meeting Mustapha outlined a number of measures being implemented by the government to maintain stability in the poultry market and ensure that consumers continue to have reliable access to chicken at reasonable and stable prices.

He said that the government, in collaboration with stakeholders in the poultry industry, is closely monitoring production, supply and market demand to ensure that any temporary supply gaps are addressed in a timely manner.

A statement issued following the meeting on Monday, said that as part of this approach, arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the temporary importation of approximately 330,000 pounds of chicken per week.

It said that the imports will complement local production and help to maintain adequate supplies on the domestic market while local production continues to strengthen.

Mustapha said that the measure is a ‘temporary and carefully’ managed intervention, designed to safeguard consumers while at the same time protecting and supporting Guyana’s local poultry producers.

The New Guyana Marketing Corporation (New GMC) is facilitating the importation process, with the chicken to be distributed through local distributors and suppliers across the country. Mustapha said that the process will remain subject to monitoring and oversight to ensure that the intervention achieves its intended purpose and that the market remains stable.

He also highlighted government’s commitment to strengthening the poultry industry over the long term, adding that attention is being given to expanding storage and cold-storage capacity within the sector.

Mustapha said increased storage capacity would provide producers with greater flexibility to manage production and market supply. During periods when production is high, poultry could be properly stored and subsequently released onto the market when demand increases, helping to create greater predictability and stability for both producers and consumers.

He said the government’s approach is focused on maintaining a strong, resilient and sustainable poultry industry, while ensuring that consumers have access to an adequate supply of affordable chicken.

Mustapha said that the government will continue to work closely with poultry producers, importers, distributors and other private-sector stakeholders to monitor the market and respond where necessary.

‘The objective is to ensure that there is a reliable supply of chicken for consumers while creating the conditions for our local poultry industry to continue expanding and becoming more resilient,’ Mustapha said.

The statement said that the engagement with the PSC forms part of the government’s ongoing consultations with the private sector as it works to strengthen Guyana’s agricultural value chains, improve market stability and ensure food security.

‘Government remains committed to supporting local production while taking the necessary measures to ensure that consumers are protected and that the poultry industry continues to grow in a stable and sustainable manner,’ the statement added.

The Montserrat government says it has advanced efforts at strengthening relationships with Martinique and Guadeloupe in a number of areas that can directly impact the development of of the British Overseas Territory.

A statement from the Office of the Premier said that Premier Reuben Meade had led a delegation to the French islands and that the visit provided the delegation with an opportunity to engage with key ministerial and government officials, and stakeholders in the health, business, construction and agricultural sectors.

It said the government views these relationships as opportunities to expand Montserrat’s access to expertise, markets, training, technology and specialised services.

‘The delegation explored the establishment of and resuscitation of a Memorandum of Agreement to facilitate services for the referral of patients requiring emergency medical care to Martinique and Guadeloupe respectively. Such Agreements would also seek to provide additional options for specialised care when required,’ the statement said.

It said that the discussions also examined opportunities for training to include the exchange of medical professionals, telemedicine, oncology services, adding ‘these discussions represent an important step towards broadening the range of medical services and emergency care options available to the residents of Montserrat.

The delegation also met with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce in Guadeloupe, where discussions focused on building commercial networks and creating possible opportunities for Montserrat businesses.

They also explored opportunities for grants and support for entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses, with the objective of identifying additional avenues of assistance for local business development.

The discussions also explored hydroponics, sustainable farming methods to include the manufacture of fertiliser. The objective being, to support farmers in adopting more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices, while increasing local food production and resilience the statement said.

‘The government of Montserrat will continue to work with its partners in Guadeloupe and Martinique to advance the areas identified during the mission and to convert discussions into tangible programmes and opportunities for the people of Montserrat,’ the statement added.

The Barbados-based Development Bank (CDB) Tuesday said it is financing a US$27.1 million initiative to scale up hydrometeorological services and multi-hazard early warning systems in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago.

The CDB said that the initiative is being funded through its partnership with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and is intended to strengthen the ability of the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries to anticipate, prepare for and respond to climate-related hazards and extreme weather events.

The project is being financed primarily through a US$24.1 million grant, approved by the GCF with the CDB also providing US$1.2 million in grant financing while US1.88 million in counterpart funding will come from the governments of Belize and Trinidad and Tobago.

The project will be implemented by the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO), the region’s specialised institution for meteorology and climate services, in partnership with national meteorological and disaster management agencies in the beneficiary countries.

The CDB said that the initiative will strengthen the countries’ capacity to detect, monitor, analyse, forecast and communicate information on weather, water and climate-related hazards.

It will also support improvements in disaster risk management, climate information services, institutional capacity, and the delivery of timely warnings to vulnerable communities, helping to reduce loss and damage from increasingly frequent and severe climate-related events.

Belize and Trinidad and Tobago, like many other Caribbean countries, continue to face growing threats from climate change, including hurricanes, flooding, droughts, heatwaves and sea-level rise. Strengthened early warning systems are recognised as one of the most critical and cost-effective tools for protecting lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and critical economic sectors.

Director of CDB’s Projects Department, L. O’Reilly Lewis, said the intervention reflects a shared commitment by CDB and GCF to building resilience in vulnerable Caribbean countries.

‘This investment, made possible through the Green Climate Fund’s support, represents a critical step in strengthening climate resilience in Belize and Trinidad and Tobago.

‘As climate-related hazards become more frequent and severe, robust early warning systems are essential to protecting communities, safeguarding key economic sectors and preserving development gains.

‘The project advances CDB’s strategic focus on accelerating climate action, strengthening institutions and building social and environmental resilience, while creating a model that can inform similar investments across the Caribbean,’ Lewis said.

The project is aligned with CDB’s Strategic Objectives 2026-2035, particularly its emphasis on Social and Environmental Resilience, Strengthening Institutions, and Accelerating Climate Action. It also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 13, Climate Action.

The Jamaica Kingsmen won the toss and elected to bowl first vs the Barbados Tridents in the fourth match of the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) here on Tuesday.

TEAMS:

Barbados Tridents XI: Chris Green (c), Quinton de Kock, Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford, Gudakesh Motie, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Rivaldo Clarke, Johann Layne, Kevlon Anderson, Ramon Simmonds, Daniel Samms.

Jamaica Kingsmen XI: Shayan Jahangir (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Kirk McKenzie, Keacy Carty, Rovman Powell (capt), Andre Russell, Hassan Khan, Keemo Paul, Hunain Shah, Vitel Lawes, Jediah Blades

Umpires: Christopher Wright, Gregory Brathwaite

TV Umpire: Zahid Bassarath

Reserve Umpire: Carl Tuckett

Match Referee: Reon King

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) says it will introduce the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Research Forum as part of this year’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) to be held in Guyana in October.

SOTIC will be held under the theme ‘Tourism Futures: Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive’.

CTO said that the three-hour forum will take place on October 6 creating a dedicated platform to advance research, innovation and evidence-based decision-making across the region’s tourism sector.

Designed as an accessible and engaging research exchange rather than a conventional academic conference, the forum will bring together academics, researchers, tourism practitioners, destination representatives, development partners, students and other interested delegates to share recent findings and explore practical solutions to the Caribbean’s most pressing tourism challenges.

‘The Caribbean Tourism Research Forum reflects CTO’s commitment to ensuring that the future of Caribbean tourism is informed by credible research, regional collaboration and practical application,’ said Aliyyah Shakeer, CTO’s director of research.

‘By creating stronger connections between researchers, policymakers and industry leaders, we can better equip our destinations to make informed decisions that support a smarter, more sustainable and more inclusive tourism industry.’

The CTO said that the programme will feature two research showcase sessions, the first being ‘Emerging Research from Caribbean Universities,’ which will highlight recent or ongoing work from universities and research institutions, while the second ‘Research in Practice: Applied and Destination Insights,’ will focus on studies addressing specific policy, planning, market or destination-management challenges.

It said presentations may examine topics including visitor behavior and changing travel patterns, tourism demand and forecasting, sustainable and regenerative tourism, climate resilience, community-based tourism, workforce development, artificial intelligence and digital transformation, destination competitiveness, market intelligence, economic impact and product development.

The CTO said that the forum aims to raise the visibility of tourism research conducted across the Caribbean, demonstrate how applied research addresses real destination and industry challenges, and identify opportunities for collaboration among universities, tourism organizations, governments, development partners and the private sector. It reinforces the importance of evidence-based tourism planning and decision-making.

The CANAWAIMA Management Company (CMC) JV Tuesday said that it has been in discussions with its Surinamese counterparts regarding the services being provided by the CANAWAIMA Ferry Service (CFS).

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Works, it said that it had taken note of media reports emanating out of Suriname ‘suggesting that the Maritime Administration of Suriname (MAS) has given notice to the CANAWAIMA Management Company Suriname, that specific action needs to be taken as it relates to the CANAWAIMA Ferry’

But it said that ‘over the last several days, the Guyana side of the Joint Venture has been engaging their Surinamese counterparts’ and that ‘we anticipate out of those engagements, a resolution to this matter’.

According to the media reports, MAS in an August 7, 2026 letter, has given CMC JV a final opportunity to remedy the remaining deficiencies on board the ferry and that the letter follows earlier correspondence dated 26 July 2026, in which the company was instructed to send a plan of action regarding the inspection report of the ferry to the MAS within one week of receipt.

On August 5, 2026, the MAS conducted another inspection on board and during this this re-inspection, it is reported to have found that a majority of the previously identified deficiencies had not yet been remedied.

The MAS has therefore given the company a final opportunity to submit a plan of action, which must contain a clear timetable for rectifying the identified deficiencies, carrying out the necessary major repairs, and the planned drydocking of the vessel.

In addition, the maritime authority has determined that various safety matters must be in order by August 13 at the latest. If the required measures have not been implemented by then, the MV CANAWAIMA will be subject to a sailing ban effective from August 14, 2026

But in its its statement, CMC JV said that ‘Guyana commits itself to the letter and spirit of the Joint Venture signed between Guyana and Suriname, and is committed to ensuring a safe transport link by way of an efficient and seaworthy ferry.

‘Please be advised, that based upon the Joint Venture agreement, Guyana supplies ALL fuels, lubricants and batteries to facilitate the daily operation of the ferry while Suriname takes care of the maintenance and dry docking of the vessel,’it added.