Category: CANA News

The Electoral Office has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that individuals are able to bring documents on behalf of other electors and have them confirmed without those persons being present.

‘We wish to state categorically that this is absolutely false and cannot happen under the current confirmation process,’ Chief Election Officer, Anthea Joseph, said in a statement.

She said that the confirmation system is designed with safeguards that require the physical presence of every individual being confirmed.

‘During the process, the individual’s information is entered into the system, a photograph is taken, and the individual must provide their signature electronically using the signature pad. ‘The software will not complete the confirmation application unless both the photograph and the electronic signature have been captured,’ Joseph said, adding that ‘it is therefore impossible for a person to be confirmed simply by someone presenting documents on their behalf without physical presence of that elector.

‘The Electoral Office rejects the false information that has been circulated and wishes to assure the public that the prescribed procedures are being strictly followed at all confirmation centres. The Office further assures the public that every effort is being made to ensure the integrity of the confirmation process through appropriate supervision and oversight at every confirmation centre.’

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said that he has been advised that the issuance of voter identification cards is expected to begin by the end of this month, as his administration remains fully committed to completing the implementation of the most comprehensive electoral reform program in Dominica’s history.

‘After years of consultation with political parties, civil society, regional and international experts, and other stakeholders, Parliament unanimously enacted legislation to modernize our electoral system. We have now moved from legislation to implementation,’ Skerrit told a news conference, adding that the issuance of the voter identification card will mark ‘another important milestone’.

Skerrit told reporters that the legislation establishes clear legal procedures for registration, confirmation, publication of the register, objections, and appeals.

‘It does not establish numerical targets as a test of legitimacy. The integrity of the register should therefore be judged by whether those included are legally entitled to vote and not by whether every eligible citizen has exercised that right,’ Skerrit said.

In June 2024, the former president of the Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, submitted a report on electoral reform to the government of Dominica.

Sir Dennis had been the sole commissioner advancing efforts towards electoral reform, a major issue here, with the opposition parties, the United Workers Party (UWP) and the Dominica Freedom Party (DFP), boycotting the last general election.

In its statement, the Electoral Office said it ‘remains committed to administering the voter confirmation process in accordance with the Registration of Electors Act and established procedures.

‘The Office urges members of the public to verify information through its official communication channels and to refrain from sharing unverified claims that may mislead electors or undermine public confidence in the electoral process,’ it added.

Jamaica says it has increased surveillance of all imported iceberg lettuce, other leafy vegetables, and fruits originating in or transiting through the United States amid the outbreak of the diarrhoea-causing parasite, Cyclospora.

‘This is necessary because Jamaica permits the importation of a variety of plant products, including fruits and vegetables, for both the domestic market and the hotel and hospitality sector,’ the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement.

‘In addition, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Consumer Affairs Commission, the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority, the Jamaica Customs Agency, and other relevant regulatory entities, will enhance surveillance at Jamaica’s ports of entry for products identified in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls or food safety advisories,’ it added.

The ministry said that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that, as of July 18, there have been 1,644 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, including 94 hospitalisations.

It said that based on available reports several illnesses have been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce distributed through a commercial supply chain and that the outbreak remains active and under investigation by the CDC and the FDA.

The FDA has since issued a recall notice for a specific brand of shredded iceberg lettuce due to suspected Cyclospora contamination and has expanded traceback investigations, product sampling, and border screening activities as part of the ongoing investigation.

The ministry said that given the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing outbreak in the US, pending further information from US authorities and the completion of the traceback investigation, the Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspection Branch (PQPIB), which regulates the importation of plants and plant products into Jamaica, has strengthened its monitoring of imports of plant products that may pose a potential risk of Cyclospora contamination.

It said that the PQPIB also continues to review all consignments of imported iceberg lettuce, other leafy vegetables, and fruits originating in or transiting through the United States to verify the validity of traceability documentation and compliance with Jamaica’s import requirements.

The ministry said it will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide timely updates should additional public health measures become necessary.

In a landmark moment for Antiguan and Barbudan sport, the twin-island nation will field its first-ever weightlifting team at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games when the 2026 edition kicks off in Santo Domingo from July 24 to August 8.

The historic weightlifting contingent featuring Daniel Antonio, Ijauni Nathaniel, and Kevesha Nedwell headlines a 22-strong delegation as Antigua and Barbuda signals its ambitions on the regional stage.

The 2026 Games mark a century of regional competition, spanning 1926 to 2026, and are expected to draw over 6,000 athletes from approximately 40 nations.

The timing of the Santo Domingo Games presents a significant administrative challenge for the Antigua and Barbuda National Olympic Committee (ABNOC), as the event overlaps with the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The athletics squad, featuring Cejhae Greene, Dwayne Fleming, Christopher Johnson, and Geolyna Dowdye, will compete first in Scotland before rushing to the Dominican Republic to join their compatriots.

ABNOC executive member Thomas Greenaway will serve as Chef de Mission, with President EP Chet Greene and Secretary General Cliff Williams also in attendance to oversee the delegation.

Antigua and Barbuda will field complete teams across six disciplines:

Athletics: Cejhae Greene, Dwayne Fleming, Christopher Johnson, Geolyna Dowdye (Coach: Kesswin Anthony)

Swimming: Alandra Dublin, Ellie Shaw, Tivon Benjamin, Stefao Mitchell (Coach: Nelson Molina Fojo)

Sailing: Tiger Tyson, O’Zani Lafond, Shanor Malone (Coach: Karl James)

Beach Volleyball: Raenor Sharpe, Miguel Pena Lugo (Coach: Olsen Joseph)

Weightlifting: Daniel Antonio, Ijauni Nathaniel, Kevesha Nedwell (Coach: Durand Meade)

Table Tennis: Stuti Kashyap, Mekhi Simmons (Coach: Aleena Edwards)

The management team includes Alisha Francis as Team Assistant and Keston Daley as Physiotherapist, ensuring the athletes receive comprehensive support throughout the gruelling competition schedule.

Barbados health authorities are warning businesses to be aware of an imposter, posing as an environmenal health officer and urging the use of a particular pest control company to address identified vector control issues.

The Ministry of Health said it has been made aware of the situation and that the matter is of concern to the relevant authorities and has been reported to the Barbados Police Service.

‘The Ministry advises the public that anyone claiming to be an Environmental Health Officer must show an official identification card carrying the signature of the Chief Medical Officer.

‘Environmental Health Officers employed by the Government of Barbados must not solicit business on behalf of any private company while on duty,’ the ministry said.

It said that if any member of the public is unsure as to whether a person visiting their premises is an environmental health officer, they should contact the nearest polyclinic, or the Chief Environmental Health Officer.

West Indies elected to field after winning the toss against New Zealand in the fifth One Day International at Kensington Oval here on Tuesday.

TEAMS:

WEST INDIES: Shai Hope(c and wk), Gudakesh Motie, Ackeem Auguste, Justin Greaves, Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Matthew Forde, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Vitel Lawes.

NEW ZEALAND: Mitchell Santner (c), Tom Latham (wk), Jayden Lennox, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Nick Kelly, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Kristian Clarke, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy.

Umpires: Alex Wharf, Leslie Reifer.

TV Umpire: Ahsan Raza

Reserve Umpire: Deighton Butler.

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath

The death toll from last Saturday’s boating incident has risen to 41 and eight others were rescued as the search continues along the Essequibo Coast, the Guyana government said in a statement on Tuesday.

It said that 14 bodies were recovered and that 77 persons have been rescued as of 2.00 pm (local time) as the search and rescue operation continues with 16 vessels deployed within the wreckage area.

President Irfaan Ali Tuesday said proclaimed three days of National Mourning beginning on July 22.

In the proclamation, President Ali said that ‘the tragic loss of lives, arising from the disaster involving the M.V. Barima, has brought profound and widespread sorrow and immeasurable grief throughout our nation.

‘At this time of deep national sadness, as we pause to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives, to stand with their families, to offer comfort to survivors, and to demonstrate our collective compassion and solidarity,’ he is proclaiming that the next three days starting from Wednesday ‘be observed as Three Days of National Mourning throughout Guyana in honour of the victims of the M.V. Barima tragedy’

He said during this period of national mourning all national flags of Guyana shall be flown at half-mast on Government buildings, public institutions and other appropriate locations throughout the country as a mark of respect and remembrance for those whose lives were lost.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

GEORGETOWN -The Guyana government says the police are conducting ‘ a comprehensive investigation’ into the circumstances that led to the MV Barima capsizing last Saturday night, resulting so far in the deaths of 27 people and the rescue of 69 others.

PARAMARIBO – President Jennifer Simons leaves here on Wednesday for a four-day working visit to England focusing on the further development of the Surinamese economy and strengthening international economic cooperation

BELMOPAN – Belize, one of the few Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries not included on a visa-free travel list released by Spain earlier this month, has sought to clarify its position on the issue.

ROSEAU – The Electoral Office has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that individuals are able to bring documents on behalf of other electors and have them confirmed without those persons being present.

UNITED NATIONS -The international community has overwhelmingly agreed that holding elections is the next major step in Haiti’s political transition as the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country look towards a stable and secure future.

SPORTS:

ST. JOHN’S – The Antigua and Barbuda Falcons have locked in their overseas arsenal for the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, unveiling a six-man contingent that marries global star power with tactical precision and rising subcontinental flair.

PORT OF SPAIN – Final day of the warm-up match between the West Indies Select XI and Pakistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

A new report has found that despite progress in laws, policies and programmes aimed at advancing the rights of persons with disabilities across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), many continue to face barriers to accessing health services and emergency care on an equal basis.

The new report has been released by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Inter-American Network of Persons with Disabilities and Their Families (RIADIS). The report, titles ‘Disability inclusion in health systems and emergency management in Latin America and the Caribbean,’ reviews experiences and challenges in 10 countries across the region and finds that structural gaps continue to hinder equitable access to health care and essential services, particularly during emergencies.

To address these challenges, the report calls for disability to be systematically integrated into health policies, emergency preparedness and response, information systems and service delivery.

Globally, an estimated 16 per cent of the population lives with a disability, according to the World Health Organization’s Global report on health equity for persons with disabilities.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, persons with disabilities experience higher levels of poverty, social exclusion and barriers to accessing essential services, including health care. These disparities often become even more pronounced during crises and emergencies.

The findings also highlight the scale of health inequities. Persons with disabilities are up to 45 per cent less likely to access services for cardiovascular disease and diabetes and 33 per cent less likely to receive screening services such as HPV testing.

In some cases, including among people with intellectual disabilities, life expectancy can be up to 20 years shorter.

These findings were discussed during a regional event on disability inclusion in health systems and emergency management convened by PAHO, ECLAC and RIADIS.

‘The challenge is to translate policy advances into tangible improvements in people’s lives,’ said Gustavo Pérez Reina, PAHO Regional Advisor on Disability and Rehabilitation.

‘Inclusion is not only about the availability of services. It is also about how those services are organized, communicated and adapted to meet people’s needs.’

The report identifies four key challenges: fragmented information systems with limited interoperability; health services that continue to be organized primarily around service provision rather than people’s diverse needs; insufficient and often non-systematic training of health workers on disability inclusion; and emergency plans that reference disability but lack clear operational measures to ensure accessibility, continuity of care and adequate support.

The report also points to significant territorial disparities.

It notes that while progress has been made in some urban settings, inclusive services tend to be concentrated in major population centers and are less available in rural and remote areas, widening inequalities in access to care.

‘Many countries have made important advances in legal and policy frameworks, but these gains do not always translate into the everyday experience of persons with disabilities when accessing health services,’ said Daniela González of ECLAC.

‘The challenge is to move from policy to implementation and ensure services that are truly accessible and continuous throughout the life course.’

The report notes that disparities become particularly evident during emergencies and disasters, when barriers to services, information and support can interrupt treatment and increase health risks for persons with disabilities.

‘This report is historic for the region because it reflects the voices of persons with disabilities and puts forward concrete solutions to advance genuine inclusion in health,’ said Juan Ángel de Gouveia, President of RIADIS, adding the goal is not only to recognize rights, but to ensure they are upheld in practice.

Based on its findings, the report outlines a roadmap for advancing disability inclusion in health systems.

The key recommendations include mainstreaming disability across health policies and plans, strengthening information systems through accessible and disaggregated data, ensuring reasonable accommodations in health services and establishing permanent mechanisms for the participation of organizations of persons with disabilities.

The report also underscores the need to fully integrate disability into emergency preparedness, response and recovery efforts, including measures to ensure continued access to medicines, rehabilitation services and assistive technologies during crises.

Both PAHO and ECLAC say advancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities is not only a human rights imperative but also essential to building more resilient health systems capable of addressing population ageing, the growing burden of chronic diseases and the increasing frequency of emergencies and disasters.

The United Kingdom-based African Caribbean Sustainability and Investment Initiative (ACSII) Tuesday said it has appointed David Mullings, the founder of a Bahamas-based investment holding company, as its deputy chairman.

ACSII, which is dedicated to strengthening trade, investment and sustainable development between Africa, the Caribbean and global market, said that the appointment of the founder of Blue Mahoe Holdings, became effective July 15, for an initial six-month appointment.

‘I am delighted to welcome David Mullings to the ACSII leadership team as Deputy Chairman. His reputation as an accomplished entrepreneur, investor and capital markets professional, together with his passion for connecting the Black Diaspora with investment opportunities across the Global South, makes him an exceptional addition to our organisation,’ said David F. Roberts , ACSII founder and chairman.

‘ As ACSII enters its next phase of growth, Mr. Mullings’ expertise in marketing, fundraising and stakeholder engagement will significantly enhance our ability to mobilise capital and build transformational partnerships for Africa and the Caribbean,’ said Roberts, who is also the Caribbean representative to the African Union Commission PPP and Stakeholders Forum.

ACSII said Mullings is a highly respected entrepreneur, investor and capital markets executive with extensive experience in investment management, corporate finance, investor relations and Caribbean diaspora investment.

It said as the founder of Blue Mahoe Holdings, whose subsidiary Blue Mahoe Capital is pursuing a public listing in the United States, he has become a recognised advocate for giving the Black Diaspora easier access to investment opportunities across the Global South with his first focus on the Caribbean.

‘His appointment represents another important step in strengthening ACSII’s leadership as it continues building the institutional infrastructure connecting African governments, Caribbean governments, investors and strategic projects into a single investable economic corridor,’ ACSII said.

Mullings said that a critical part of the solution to increasing investments in the Global South is changing the perception of these countries and making it easier for the Black Diaspora to invest in their future growth.

‘Working closely with ACSII will allow me to contribute to that mission at scale, helping to bridge two key regions and their diasporas,’ he added.

ACSII said that as deputy chairman, Mullings will provide strategic leadership in international fundraising and capital mobilisation, investor engagement and family office development as well as corporate sponsorship strategy, institutional partnership development, marketing and global brand positioning.

He will also be involved in diaspora investment initiatives and private sector engagement.

ACSII said it believes that this appointment reinforces its commitment to becoming the leading institutional platform for Africa-Caribbean trade, investment and sustainable development.

‘With expanding partnerships across government, development finance institutions, the African Union, regional organisations and the private sector, ACSII continues to position itself as a trusted bridge between policy, capital and transformational project,’ it added.

The West Indies Select XI faced a monumental task on the third day of their four-day warm-up fixture against Pakistan, reaching 268 for eight in response to the tourists’ imposing declaration of 455 for four at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Monday.

Earlier, Pakistan chose not to add to their total, as they decided to give their bowlers a run-out against the youthful Windies aggregation.

That task became immediately more difficult when opener Cephas Cooper was dismissed for just one run, trapped in front by Muhammad Abbas with the scoreboard reading a perilous three for one.

However, a defiant 151-run stand for the second wicket between the experienced Tagenarine Chanderpaul and the aggressive Kavem Hodge steadied the ship and gave the West Indies innings a backbone.

Chanderpaul, continuing his patient approach, brought up a well-crafted 51, his innings punctuated with five boundaries and a solitary six.

His vigil finally ended when he was caught off the bowling of left-arm spinner Ali Usman.

With the platform set, Hodge looked to accelerate and was the dominant force of the innings. He unleashed 14 fours in a fluent knock of 92, looking destined for a century before he became Usman’s second victim, falling with the score at 165.

The middle order offered sporadic resistance but failed to build on the foundation laid by the top order. Terrance Hinds made 24 while Jomel Warrican chipped in with a lower-order cameo, scoring 24 not out.

Pakistan’s bowlers shared the spoils effectively. Mohammad Ali was the pick of the attack, finishing the day with impressive figures of three for 36, which included the prized scalps of Joshua Da Silva and Joshua James, both dismissed without scoring.

Aamir Jamal and Ali Usman supported well, grabbing two wickets apiece.

At the close of play, Jyd Goolie remained steadfast at the crease, unbeaten on a resolute 44.

His innings, which has consumed 95 deliveries and featured five fours, has ensured the West Indies XI will bat into the final day, though they still trail by a significant 187 runs with only two wickets in hand.