Category: CANA News

The Trinidad-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) Monday said it participated in an international crime prevention initiative resulting in the identification and dismantling of numerous transnational criminal networks and the arrest of more than 490 people.

It said that ‘Operation ATLAS NEXUS’ led to the identification and dismantling of dozens of transnational criminal networks in a coordinated international action bringing together law enforcement, customs and judicial authorities from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and other regions of the world.

Several CARICOM countries, namely Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago participated in the initiative that MPACS said ‘in terms of the volume of seizures and the number of countries involved, is the largest joint operation against organised crime carried out to date between both regions.’

The initiative was led by the Belgian Federal Police and was coordinated and conducted jointly by Operational Action 6.1 of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT) and CARICOM IMPACS and facilitated by EL PACCTO 2.0, the European Union’s flagship cooperation programme with Latin America and the Caribbean on security and justice, which supported the coordination between the various actors involved on both sides of the Atlantic

The operation focused on identifying and disrupting polycriminal networks and high-value targets, seize criminal assets and initiate further investigations, across five priority criminal markets: drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings, document fraud, firearms trafficking and environmental crime.

IMPACS said that its most significant outcome lies not only in the volume of what was seized – 156,9 tonnes, but in the number of criminal structures identified and dismantled.

‘The more than 490 arrests correspond to the disruption of multiple networks whose routes connect both regions. Faced with organisations operating on an international scale, intercepting shipments is not enough: the aim is to dismantle the structures that make them possible and to deprive them of the resources that sustain them.’

It said among the actions carried out, particular note should be taken of the identification and dismantling of the first cocaine processing laboratory detected in Ireland, as well as two new illegal gold mining sites in French Guiana.

Seizures include 37,6 tonnes of cocaine, 118,6 tonnes of cannabis, 201 firearms, 3131 units of ammunition and explosives, 803 wild animals and livestock, US$135,000 in cash and cryptocurrencies, 0.83 kg of gold, 169 properties, 464 pieces of jewellery, 468 fraudulent documents and one1 vehicle.

IMPACS said 37 INTERPOL notices were issued during the operation, 17 of them were red.

‘More than 8,680 police officers and justice authorities took part in the various national operational actions to monitor 110 aircraft, 28 vessels, 415 vehicles and 271 containers at 28 designated checkpoints in ports, airports and on roads. A total of 595 search warrants were executed’ IMPACS said adding that as a result, new modi operandi and routes have been identified.

‘The coordination between this wide range of actors proved decisive in connecting information from different jurisdictions and acting simultaneously against networks operating across several continents.’

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons are champions of the Caribbean Premier League for the first time, clinching the title with a commanding performance on Sunday night that captain Moeen Ali described as the culmination of a ‘tough but great journey.’

Speaking after the victory, an elated Moeen Ali emphasised that the triumph meant more than just personal glory’Yeah, very special. I think more for the franchise, more for the players, coaching staff, and everybody that was involved,’ Moeen said. ‘It’s been a tough journey, but a great journey. Time has gone quickly for us because we’ve enjoyed each other’s company, and you can see on the field the way we played.’

The English all-rounder praised his side’s resilience throughout the campaign, highlighting the final performance as the pinnacle of their efforts.

‘I thought tonight was an outstanding performance again, and I’m really pleased with the way we performed throughout the competition. It was a decent fight in the end. I mean, the dew made a big difference, but it was a great touch to win.’

Moeen, who joined the squad midway through the season, revealed that the turning point came during an early stint in Saint Lucia, where he saw the potential in the group despite a narrow loss.

‘Honestly, in that game I played in Saint Lucia, we were only defending 57 off 10 overs, and we almost won. From there, I saw fight and great determination from the guys, and I thought at least there’s something great to work with,’ he recalled.

The captain admitted that balancing the team’s composition was a tactical challenge, especially with injuries forcing changes to the lineup. However, he credited the depth of the squad, specifically naming Rahkeem Cornwall and Fabian Allen, for stepping up when it mattered most.

‘Having two wrist-spinners, two pace guys up top, and then two death bowlers, it’s not always easy to combine. But I think the biggest difference was the players who came in and out for a couple of injuries. Guys like Rahkeem Cornwall and Fabian Allen coming in and out. It wasn’t easy, but they made a huge difference. Quality players who always give everything.’

Head Coach Paul Nixon echoed his captain’s sentiments, lauding the commitment of the squad and the ‘world-class’ support staff.

‘The guys have been immense all year. We’ve been so committed, so clear. Moeen has been an exceptional captain,’ Nixon said. ‘Everybody’s had an impact in the team and the dressing room, and it’s been amazing. The backroom staff’s analysis has been world-class.’

Nixon made special mention of wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo, who played a pivotal role in the final, describing the win as a humbling experience.

‘Amir Jangoo had a great competition and saw it through in style. So proud, so humbled, lovely. Amazing people; surround yourself with quality,’ Nixon added, dedicating the win to the Antiguan faithful who backed the team throughout the season.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC The following is the CANANews and SPORTS SChedule for Monday, September 21, 2026.

NEW YORK – Antigua and Barbuda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene, wants ‘disciplined collective action’ by member countries of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to deal with external threats to the sub-region.

GEORGETOWN – Chief Magistrate Judy Latchman Monday declined to examine a Guyana Police Force (GPF) press release about evidence given by a senior police officer in the ongoing extradition proceedings against Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed and his wealthy businessman father, Nazar Mohamed that could amount to he perversion of justice.

ST. GEORGE’S – Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has told supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to be prepared for the next general election, which is constitutionally due no later than October 2027, but widely expected to be held later this year.

KINGSTON -The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has called on the Jamaica government to develop a transparent and people involved programme aimed at rebuilding the west of the island following the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa when it slammed into the country last October causing 45 deaths and damage estimated at more than US$9.9 billion.

NEW YORK – St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday has hinted at the possibility of his ruling New Democratic Party (NDP) administration is preparing to move from diagnosis to potential legal and administrative consequences, after receiving a comprehensive ‘rapid assessment’ of state-owned companies on the Caribbean island.

SPORTS:

BRIDGETOWN – Left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim delivered a spell for the ages as the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons captured their first-ever Caribbean Premier League title with a commanding eight-wicket win over the Jamaica Kingsmen in a riveting final at Kensington Oval on Sunday night.

President of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) General Conference of Ministers, Dominic Smith, is calling on the region to play an active role in shaping its digital future as artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies continue to transform economies and societies.

Smith, who is also the Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence in the Trinidad and Tobago government, told the CTU’s ICT Week 2026, said deeper regional coordination could allow Caribbean states to share expertise, strengthen AI and data governance, build common capability and approach global technology partners with a stronger collective voice.

‘Our 21 member states and territories cannot afford 21 disconnected digital transformations,’ Smith said, underscoring the need to share expertise and coordinate approaches across the region.

Smith said the Caribbean must move beyond simply adapting to the age of artificial intelligence and work collectively to help shape it in ways that reflect the region’s values, priorities and aspirations for its people.

He said Trinidad and Tobago’s ongoing work to strengthen national AI readiness and responsible adoption, include the AI Academy, the UNESCO AI Readiness Assessment Methodology and initiatives to expand AI literacy and capability across the public sector.

‘We believe very strongly that AI will be the amplification of technology globally. We believe that essentially, it’s the new industrial revolution,’ he said, emphasising that AI adoption must advance alongside responsible governance, with attention to workforce development, skills gaps, cybersecurity, data sovereignty, accountability and appropriate safeguards for citizens.

Smith said forums such as CTU ICT Week provide an important opportunity for Caribbean states to shape discussions on emerging technologies based on the unique circumstances and priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

He told delegates that technology must ultimately improve people’s lives, reiterating his view that ‘technology must not surpass the humanity in which it was meant to advance.’

The event, whch is being held under the theme ‘The theme, ‘Advancing Resilience, Inclusion, Cybersecurity and Innovation in Caribbean Digital Development’ is being held in collaboration with the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane and provides a platform for regional and international stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices and shape digital policy and development across the Caribbean.

The organisers said the 2026 edition is particularly significant as it serves as a strategic prelude to the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), positioning the Caribbean to engage more effectively on the global ICT agenda.

They said that it builds on current CTU themes while responding to emerging global challenges, including climate vulnerability, digital inequality, cybersecurity risks and the rapid evolution of digital technologies.

The objective of the CTU ICT Week 2026 is aimed at managing and overseeing the strategic and operational effectiveness of the CTU, advance regional dialogue and cooperation on digital transformation and ICT policy as well as support the development of inclusive, resilient and sustainable digital economies.

It is also intended to promote strategic ICT leadership among Caribbean governments, provide a platform for sharing insights on emerging technologies and global trends as well as strengthen regional coordination and global positioning in preparation for PP-26

‘CTU ICT Week 2026 is positioned to serve as a catalyst for regional digital transformation, reinforcing the critical role of ICT in shaping a prosperous and connected Caribbean. The event will contribute to shaping forward-looking policies that increase the region’s competitiveness and resilience in an evolving global digital landscape.

‘The CTU, with its members and partners, aim to unlock the full potential of ICTs for innovation, economic growth and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean,’ the CTU added.

The Guyana Government plans to expand the forestry concession held by small loggers and firewood cutters on the East Bank of Berbice by 5,000 acres, while reorganising their association to create greater opportunities for residents.

Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat made the announcement during a meeting with loggers and residents of Mara on Friday.

The existing association holds approximately 8,500 acres, with the government proposing an additional 5,000 acres to accommodate growth in membership and allow more people to benefit from the concession.

But he said the association must first be reorganised, with concerns raised about its operations, including the failure to renew its concession for the past two years, the distribution of taxes collected and the absence of regular meetings and elections.

As an immediate step, the Guyana Forestry Commission will meet with the firewood association and other small associations operating on the East Bank of Berbice on September 27 in Mara to facilitate the formation of a new East Bank association and the election of an executive team.

‘We have agreed on a number of ways forward in which we’re going to address some of the challenges and issues. However, most of the challenges that exist among them revolve basically around the functioning of the association and members of the association working together,’ Bharrat said.

He said once the new association and executive are established, the government would move to extend the concession.

‘After that is done, we made a commitment that we can extend the concession that they presently hold,’ he said.

Bharrat also said the government was considering opportunities for members of the association to become involved in mining through a medium-scale mining block, allowing them to pursue mining alongside logging.

The government is also planning skills-training initiatives to create additional economic opportunities in the community.

Bharrat announced plans for a furniture-making facility on the East Bank of Berbice, with the Guyana Forestry Commission providing training in the production of school furniture, wardrobes, cabinets and kitchen cupboards.

A free jewellery-making course is also expected to be offered in Berbice before the end of the year, with the aim of equipping participants with skills that could lead to entrepreneurship or employment with established jewellery businesses.

Bharrat said the initiatives are intended to broaden economic opportunities for communities whose livelihoods have traditionally centred on farming and forestry.

‘I’m very pleased with the outcome. I’m very pleased with the momentum that we had today and the feedback as well from residents and loggers,’ he said.

The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons defeated the Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets in the final of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League at Kensington Oval here on Sunday.

JAMAICA KINGSMEN 170-9 in 20 overs (Maaz Sadaqat 114, Saim Ayub 29; Sufyan Moqim 4-14, Alzarri Joseph 2-27).

ANTIGUA and BARBUDA FALCONS 173-2 in 16.4 overs (Amir Jangoo 57 not out, Hasan Nawaz 47 not out, Evin Lewis 38, Rahkeem Cornwall 20).

Eighteen people detained in Haiti in connection with the 2021 assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse were on Sunday extradited to the United States to face federal proceedings in Florida.

The suspects were flown from Port-au-Prince to the United States aboard a military aircraft, according to US authorities.

US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones said the transfer marked a new phase in the American prosecution of the case.

He said US authorities would continue to pursue those involved in financing, facilitating, supporting or carrying out the assassination.

The 18 suspects are among 30 people indicted in the United States in connection with Moïse’s killing, according to the US Attorney. The group includes former Colombian soldiers and Haitian nationals.

The Haitian government said the extraditions form part of strengthened judicial cooperation with the United States as authorities seek to advance proceedings into the assassination.

Justice and Public Security Minister Patrick Pélissier said Haiti had two judicial proceedings in relation to the case – one in Haiti and another in the United States – and that the US process had made significant progress through arrests, prosecutions and convictions.

He said the Haitian proceedings had faced significant difficulties and, five years after the assassination, had not resulted in a trial.

Pélissier said information and evidence gathered through the cooperation with US authorities could also contribute to further investigations in Haiti, in accordance with mechanisms for mutual legal assistance.

Moïse was killed at his private residence in Port-au-Prince in July 2021. His wife, Martine Moïse, was seriously injured in the attack.

The extradition comes as the US case continues. A Florida jury convicted four men in May in connection with the plot, while at least five others have pleaded guilty and are serving life sentences.

Pélissier said the Haitian government remained committed to ensuring justice for Moïse, his family and the Haitian people.

Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has condemned a proposal by the Trump administration that could remove the federal tax-exempt status of private educational institutions found to discriminate on the basis of race, colour, or national or ethnic origin.

The US Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued the proposed regulations earlier this month, saying they are intended to end tax-exempt status for private schools that engage in racial discrimination.

The Treasury and IRS estimate that the proposal could affect as many as 18,000 private educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, professional schools and trade schools.

Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants who represents New York’s 9th Congressional District, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Saturday that the proposal would threaten institutions that provide scholarships, financial assistance or other educational benefits based on race.

‘Instead of expanding opportunity and access to higher education, the Trump administration is proposing to use the federal tax code to threaten the tax-exempt status of private schools and colleges that provide scholarships, financial assistance, or other educational benefits based on race,’ she said.

‘This discriminatory abuse of federal power cannot stand, and it must be challenged in court,’ added Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

She also linked the issue to the November mid-term elections, saying: ‘This latest effort to use the power of the federal government to restrict opportunity and target programs serving our communities is exactly why this election (Mid-Term election in November) is so critical.’

‘When House Democrats take back the majority, we will work to hold this administration accountable, push back against abuses of federal power, and protect access to higher education,’ Clarke said. ‘We will fight to ensure that Black students have a fair opportunity to pursue a college education and succeed.’

Under the proposed regulations, a private school would not qualify for federal tax-exempt status if it ‘adopts, maintains, or enforces a policy or practice that discriminates on the basis of race, colour, or national or ethnic origin.’

The Treasury said the proposed rule would apply to admissions, educational policies, scholarships and loans, athletics, and other school-administered or school-supported programmes.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration was seeking to ensure that racial discrimination has no place in American education.

‘Schools rebranding race-based preferences as equitable, inclusive, or diversity-enhancing does not change their discriminatory nature,’ he said.

IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said private educational institutions that promote discriminatory practices would no longer be afforded the benefits of federal tax-exempt status.

The Treasury and IRS said the proposal would also eliminate provisions of existing IRS guidance that allowed schools to favour certain racial preferences in admissions, facilities, programmes, scholarships and financial assistance.

They said those provisions are inconsistent with a uniform nondiscrimination standard and incompatible with Supreme Court case law.

The proposed regulations would not prevent private schools from maintaining religious missions, curricula or programmes of religious observance, according to the Treasury.

Religious schools would also be able to select students based on genuine religious affiliation or membership, consistent with existing federal law.

The Treasury said schools could continue using race-neutral criteria, including family income, geographic location, first-generation status, individual hardship, military family status or academic achievement, when making admissions or financial-assistance decisions.

The proposed regulations would apply to taxable years beginning on or after May 31, 2027, giving affected institutions time to review and update their policies, the Treasury said.

Guyana authorities have seized two water dredges and a quantity of gold following a crackdown on an illegal mining operation along the Puruni River.

The Enforcement Department of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) carried out the operation on September 17, with support from the Guyana Police Force.

The team focused on mining activities within the river’s buffer zone.

Police escorted three people associated with the operation to Puruni Landing, where investigations are continuing.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said the operation forms part of ongoing enforcement efforts to curb illegal mining and protect Guyana’s waterways.

The ministry reminded stakeholders of their obligation to comply with the country’s mining laws and regulations.

It said the GGMC, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will continue enforcement activities against illegal mining.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she will not hesitate to declare another State of Emergency (SoE) if serious threats to the safety and security of citizens re-emerge.

Persad-Bissessar made the statement in a Facebook post following the passage of the Special Operations (SO) Bill, 2026, in the House of Representatives shortly after midnight on Saturday.

‘Next week, the SO Bill will be passed in the Senate without amendments. However, if serious threats to the safety and security of citizens re-emerge, I will not hesitate to put the country under another SoE,’ she said.

The Prime Minister described the recently concluded State of Emergency as ‘highly successful’, saying 3,552 people were charged during the period.

She also issued a warning to what she described as the local drug mafia and violent gangs.

‘The cells at Teteron and MSP await again if you continue your criminal behaviour,’ she said, referring to Teteron Barracks, a military base for the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment in Chaguaramas where high-profile individuals and alleged gang leaders connected to organised crime were held during the SoE, and the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca.

‘You have tortured and terrorised law-abiding citizens for three decades, and that must come to an end.’

Persad-Bissessar warned that those involved, as well as their families and supporters, would ‘continue to face harsh and brutal consequences’ if law-abiding citizens could not live in peace because of their actions.

The Prime Minister also criticised the Opposition People’s National Movement, as well as what she described as certain commentators and groups, accusing them of wanting ‘a criminal state’.

She contended that ‘all law-abiding citizens support the Special Operations Bill’ and said her government would continue to work in the best interests of citizens.

The Special Operations Bill, which replaces the previous Zones of Special Operations legislation, establishes seven policing districts and allows specific locations within those districts to be declared ‘closed areas’ for limited periods.

Once declared, authorities may impose measures including curfews, cordons, checkpoints, road closures and restrictions on entry and exit. The legislation also provides for searches without a warrant in specified circumstances.

However, Opposition MP for Port-of-Spain South, Senior Counsel Keith Scotland, had argued that the legislation infringes fundamental rights and should have been subject to constitutional requirements for legislation affecting those rights.

Scotland said the Opposition supports stronger policing, intelligence-led operations and efforts to dismantle criminal organisations, but argued that existing laws, including the Offences Against Persons Act, Anti-Gang Act and Firearms Act, already give authorities powers to address criminal activity.

He also criticised the level of executive discretion under the legislation, particularly in relation to curfews, cordons and warrantless searches.

Jeremie rejected those concerns, maintaining that the measures were proportionate to the threat posed by violent crime.

CMC/ed/26