Category: CANA News

The Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) Monday said it is concerned about public commentary which has included personal attacks on members of the Court of Appeal following the ruling last weekend involving the prominent businessman, Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, who remain in prison.

“While robust public discussion of judicial decisions is entirely legitimate in a democratic society, criticism should remain respectful and not descend into unfounded allegations that impugn the integrity or independence of the Judiciary,” LAT said in a statement.

Last Friday, the Court of Appeal upheld an urgent application filed by the state suspending an earlier ruling ordering the immediate release of the Hadeeds and placed under strict house arrest.

Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and Justices Mark Mohammed and Ricky Rahim in an unanimous decision granted the stay pending a decision of the London-based Privy Council, the country’s highest and final court, where the matter is to be heard.

The Court of Appeal ruled that if the Hadeeds were released and the allegations of an ongoing conspiracy proved to be true, the potential harm to the public interest would outweigh the prejudice caused by their continued detention for a short period pending the Privy Council hearing.

It also ruled that the risk of the Hadeeds being outside of prison, outweighs the concerns over medical attention given to them in prison with the state now committing to allowing improved medical attention to the Hadeeds in prison.

The founding owner of Blue Waters Products Limited and his wife, have been detained since June 24 after police officers arrested them at their home. Minister of Homeland Security Roger Alexander signed preventative detention orders (PDOs) three days later authorising their continued detention on “intelligence” alleging they were involved in an ongoing conspiracy to assassinate Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General John Jeremie and other senior government officials.

No criminal charges have been laid against either of them. Their relative, Star Sabga, 70, who was also detained under a PDO, remains in prison custody since her detention was not challenged in court.

In its statement, LATT said it is important to recognise that the Court of Appeal’s recent decision was made in the context of an interlocutory application and that “such proceedings do not necessarily determine the ultimate legality of the detention or the constitutionality of the Emergency Powers regime.

“Those substantive questions remain capable of judicial determination in the proceedings before the Court,” the LATT said, noting that the Supreme Court “is charged with the weighty responsibility of resolving disputes between parties”.

It said those disputes sometimes involve “the liberty of the subject, and it is to the Supreme Court that we all look to ensure that justice is done”.

The LATT said that the very fact that the issues are before the court “demonstrates that the constitutional safeguards established by the Constitution remain operational during a State of Emergency”.

It said that questions concerning the legality of “detention and scope of emergency powers are matters which our courts are constitutionally entrusted to determine”.

In its three page statement, LATT said it has “every confidence in the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and in the judicial process established by the Constitution.

“The LATT urges its members to advise their clients (members of the public) that in exercising their right to comment on and/or criticise the decision, to do so respectfully, and to refrain from attacking the integrity of the Court or making statements which undermine public confidence in the administration of justice”.

Guyanese government as well as search and rescue officials remain confident that more persons would be found alive even as the bodies of 27 people have so far been recovered after the MV Barima with more than 179 people on board capsized last Saturday night.

The ferry was on its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region of the country when the deadly incident took place.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips told a news conference that despite the official manifest indicating that 116 passengers and a crew of 17 had been on board the vessel, the authorities believe that 179 people including the crew members were on the vessel when it capsized after being hit by a large wave.

“At this stage of the operations, the number of rescued persons, including passengers and crew, the number is now 69, and a total of 27 bodies have been recovered as at now,” Prime Minister Phillips said, telling reporters that among the dead are four children.

“The latest report suggests an additional 83 persons are still to be found. They are deemed missing and still to be found. Again, this is a search and rescue operation. It remains a search and rescue operation.

“Notwithstanding the fact that we are recovering bodies, we still have hope that people are out there who are alive, and therefore we continue our search and rescue activities,” Phillips said, adding that he has been told that the vessel may have pockets of air where people could survive for a few days.

He said that the Ministry of Health and the Guyana Police Force have established joint protocols for the processing, transport, and storage of the deceased.

Phillips said that early on Monday debris was sighted at sea by a pilot vessel and shortly thereafter, the body of a female was recovered off the coast at Maruka.

He said later in the morning, the team, led by the Guyana Defence Force Force Guard had recovered an additional eight bodies, bringing the total number of bodies recovered since the start of these operations to 10.

“Through the aggressive and coordinated efforts of all responding agencies and stakeholders, the location of the MV Barima was positively confirmed. The location was initially reported by a fisherman, Harish Singh, who had also assisted in the rescue operations on the previous day,” Phillips said.

“Support from local fisherfolk and the collaborative efforts by ExxonMobil, Guyana, Vichy, utilising Sealand Survey’s Gilligan Island, a survey vessel, proved invaluable in confirming the vessels, that is the MV Barima, exact location.’

He said the MV Barima was found rested on the seabed close to the point of initial distress that was communicated by the air traffic control tower, nine miles offshore Devonshire Castle flats.

Prime Minister Phillips said that the government of France, through the French Armed Forces, has provided additional critical support with the deployment of 15 divers, who have since joined the local dive teams at the confirmed vessel site.

He said additional search and dive capabilities have been offered by the Trinidad and Tobago government.

Prime Minister Phillips said that family members will subsequently be invited to undertake identification procedures at the Sodi Hospital and that the government is providing air transport to some villagers to help identify and retrieve bodies.

“The Maritime Rescue Command Centre will remain operational, and rescue operations and efforts will continue overnight. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families and the Guyanese public at this time.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to make a point that our focus, again, is on finding people, find them alive. Unfortunately, we did find some people who would pass on during this unfortunate incident, and in that case, efforts to recover their bodies and have them positively identified and working with their families and their communities to bring closure, which will include transportation in keeping with the wishes of the family of the dead, to their communities for interment in keeping with whatever rights they request,” Phillips said.

He was critical of “unnamed” persons whom he said were using the incident for political reasons, adding “as far as I’m concerned, that’s an immature act by whoever tried to politicise this incident.

“We, however, remain focused on our efforts to rescue people to be rescued, and unfortunately, those who would have passed to recover their bodies and respectfully work with their families to bring closure. That is our focus,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Irfaan Ali Monday said that Guyana has been plunged into a tragedy of immense proportions following the incident.

In a radio and television broadcast, Ali, who returned to the country on Sunday after cutting short his visit to Canada, said the tragedy “has pierced the heart of our nation, leaving us united in grief, anxiety and sorrow.

“Families wait in expectation and anguish for news of loved ones. Communities are mourning. Across Guyana, our hearts are heavy as we confront one of the most painful moments in our history.”

Ali said he had visited survivors as well as the families and relations of some of those still missing, visiting also hospitals.

“It was a deeply emotional experience. I listened to their stories, shared in their pain and anxiety, and assured them that every practical measure would be taken to provide the support and assistance they need at this time

“Our priority remains to protect every life that can still be saved; to support those who have endured unimaginable trauma and loss; to comfort grieving families; and to account for every person who remains unaccounted for. Every minute matters, every life matters, and every possible resource is being mobilised in pursuit of this mission.”

Ali said he also wanted to pay the highest tribute to the “extraordinary men and women who responded immediately to this disaster,” adding that from the moment news of the tragedy reached us, a massive rescue effort was launched with urgency and determination.

“I commend the bravery, selflessness and courage of every individual involved in these operations,” he said, adding “their actions have reflected the very best of Guyana.

“This has been a truly national effort in a time of profound national anguish. It is a powerful reminder that when adversity strikes, the people of Guyana stand shoulder to shoulder, united by our shared humanity.”

Ali said he also wanted to assure the nation that there will be “a full, thorough and independent investigation into this tragedy,” adding “the families affected, and indeed the people of Guyana, deserve answers.

“They deserve to know precisely what transpired and whether any failures contributed to this heartbreaking event. We will pursue the truth with transparency, impartiality and accountability.

“But now is not the time for speculation. It is not the time to cast aspersions or to politicize a tragedy that has brought such unspeakable pain to so many. There will be a time for facts, for accountability and for measured judgment.

“Today, however, our collective responsibility is to save lives, to comfort the grieving, to support the traumatized, and to stand with every family whose world has been turned upside down,” Ali said in his broadcast.

He said he is urging every Guyanese to keep the victims, the survivors, their families, and the brave rescuers in their thoughts and prayers, adding “we owe it to every passenger aboard the M.V. Barima, those who have been rescued, those who have been lost, and those who remain unaccounted for, to come together in unity, solidarity and purpose as we undertake the mammoth task that still lies before us.

“In the coming hours and days, it is going to be a difficult period for us as a people and as a country. There are going to be long days ahead of us, difficult days from this tragedy but we must come together in love, unity, faith, patience and reverence to the families and communities most affected,” Ali said, adding that he would soon “announce the form of mourning our nation will take”.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) will officially recognise Barbadian pace legend Kemar Roach for his historic achievement of claiming 300 Test wickets during a special on-field presentation at the innings break of the fifth One-Day International between the West Indies and New Zealand at Kensington Oval on Tuesday, July 21.

Roach, who became only the fifth West Indian and second Barbadian to reach the coveted landmark, achieved the milestone during the Men in Maroon’s victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of the two-match series in Antigua.

The 38-year-old now stands among the immortal names of West Indies cricket, joining Courtney Walsh (519), Sir Curtly Ambrose (405), Malcolm Marshall (376), and Lance Gibbs (305) in an elite brotherhood of bowling greatness.

The presentation will feature representatives from Cricket West Indies, the Government of Barbados, and the Barbados Cricket Association, coming together to salute one of the region’s finest modern-day pacemen.

With free admission having been announced in honour of the late Sir Garfield Sobers, organisers are encouraging Barbadians and cricket fans alike to fill the stands at the historic Kensington Oval and show their appreciation for Roach’s remarkable journey.

CWI President Dr. The Hon. Kishore Shallow paid glowing tribute to Roach’s illustrious career, emphasising the significance of honouring a player who has carried the West Indies attack with distinction for nearly two decades.

“For the better part of two decades, Kemar has represented the West Indies with distinction, displaying extraordinary skill, heart and determination every time he has worn the maroon cap,” Dr Shallow said. “He has been an outstanding ambassador for Caribbean cricket, and an inspiration to generations of young fast bowlers.”

“I am personally heartened to witness a player of this generation whose unwavering commitment and exceptional contributions have earned him a rightful place among the legends of our game. On behalf of Cricket West Indies, I once again extend heartfelt congratulations to Kemar on this remarkable achievement. It is a richly deserved honour, and one that reflects the profound impact he has made on West Indies cricket.”

Since making his Test debut against Bangladesh in 2009, Roach has established himself as one of the premier fast bowlers of his era. His 300 Test wickets have come at an exceptional average of approximately 28.83 and an economy rate of 3.10, with 12 five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul to his name. Renowned for his immaculate control, subtle late movement, and relentless accuracy, Roach has enjoyed success across all major Test-playing nations and has been the cornerstone of the West Indies pace attack throughout his career.

In recent years, the veteran quick has assumed a pivotal leadership role within the West Indies bowling unit, mentoring younger pacemen while continuing to deliver match-winning performances. His influence extends far beyond statistics, serving as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers throughout the Caribbean region.

Attorney Criston J Williams says the legality of the state’s decision to transfer dozens of prisoners from the Maximum-Security Prison to Teteron Barracks of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) under the 2025 State of Emergency (SoE) could become another major test of the constitutional limits on executive power.

The matter is scheduled for a virtual case management conference on September 28 and follows a ruling by High Court judge, Justice Westmin RA James, last Friday granting remand prisoner Earl Richards leave to pursue judicial review proceedings against the Commissioner of Prisons and the Attorney General over his transfer to the military facility and the conditions under which he was detained.

Williams is one of two attorneys representing Richards and argues that his client’s constitutional rights were infringed after he was moved from the Maximum Security Prison to Teteron Barracks before the facility had been lawfully designated as a prison.

He is also alleging that subsequent legislative measures could not retrospectively validate what was unlawful at the time.

The High Court challenge come almost a year after detainees were relocated to Teteron under emergency powers, a move that sparked widespread public debate over the treatment of prisoners and the extent of the State’s authority during the State of Emergency.

In their arguments before the court, the lawyers say they were subjected to extraordinary security measures while attempting to meet with their client. In one instance, Lewis said he was instructed to wear a grey nylon drawstring bag over his head while being transported through the military installation and, on another occasion, was told by armed, masked officers that attorneys would have to be searched and blindfolded before seeing their client.

Williams said the case reflects broader constitutional issues surrounding the exercise of emergency powers and the State’s reliance on national security.

Williams said that the recent Court of Appeal ruling in the case involving prominent businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, has fundamentally changed the legal question that arises whenever the Minister of Homeland Security exercises the extraordinary power to issue a Preventive Detention Order (PDOs).

Williams argue that while intelligence sources and operational methods may remain confidential, the State must still demonstrate a sufficient factual basis before depriving someone of their liberty.

“The phrase ‘national security’ has become the end of the conversation for many people,” Williams said, addingh “The Hadeed decision demonstrates that this is not the law.”

Last Friday, Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh and Justices Mark Mohammed and Ricky Rahim in an unanimous decision inn favour of the state, granting a stay ordering the immediate release of the Hadeeds pending a decision of the London-based Privy Council, the country’s highest and final court, where the matter is to be heard.

Williams further argued that information does not become intelligence simply because it is labelled as such and maintained that generalised concerns, broad conclusions and unexplained opinions cannot satisfy the statutory threshold for preventive detention.

Justice James similarly found that Richards had raised arguable grounds suitable for judicial review, rejecting the State’s contention that his complaints should instead be determined by the State of Emergency Review Tribunal.

Williams said he believes the Richards matter demonstrates that the constitutional principles established in Hadeed are already influencing new legal challenges.

He said legal practitioners across Trinidad and Tobago are examining preventive detention orders made during the SoE through the lens of the Hadeed ruling, with future cases likely to focus on whether the information presented to the Minister was sufficiently particularised and analytically robust to justify detention.

Williams said such challenges should not be viewed as weakening national security but as an essential safeguard under the rule of law.

“Public safety and constitutional liberty are not competing ideals; they are complementary obligations that must be carefully balanced whenever the State seeks to exercise the extraordinary power of preventive detention,” Williams said.

In a gut-wrenching finish that left the Kensington Oval crowd stunned, the West Indies crashed to a one-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the fourth ODI on Sunday, surrendering the series 3-1 with just one match left to play.

Chasing a modest target of 189, the Black Caps were pushed to the absolute limit, eventually scrambling to 189-9 in 44.1 overs.

While the result was a bitter pill to swallow, it was West Indies left-hander Amir Jangoo who provided the lone bright spot with the bat, crafting a gritty 51 in a total that ultimately proved insufficient.

Speaking to the media after the match, Jangoo’s voice carried the weight of a man who knows what might have been. While personally satisfied with his contribution, the pain of defeat was evident.

“Yeah, I think I’m pretty pleased with my performance. But having said that, I would have liked for it to be in a winning cause,” Jangoo reflected. “Very difficult result. Tough pill to swallow. But yeah, it just wasn’t good enough on the day. So just have to keep going.”

The defeat carries significant ramifications for the West Indies’ long-term ambitions. With the World Cup qualifiers looming, the loss in Barbados represents a missed opportunity to level the series and build crucial momentum. Jangoo acknowledged the high stakes, but insisted the dressing room is not lacking in quality.

“We know how much was at stake here for this game,” he admitted. “It’s all about understanding where we went wrong and knowing the quality that we have in our team. So, I think going forward, we know what we have to work on, and for the qualifiers, we’ll be ready.”

If there was one department where the West Indies could hold their heads high, it was with the ball. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie produced a sensational spell, claiming 5-47 to drag his side back into the contest when victory seemed assured for New Zealand.

Jangoo was effusive in his praise for the bowling unit, which almost defended what appeared to be a below-par total.

“Yeah, I think we can never question our bowlers at all. They gave heart and soul for the team,” Jangoo stated. “So good to see Gudakesh get those five wickets. [Alzarri] Joseph bowled some serious pace today. And the kind of quality that this team has, I think we don’t deserve to be going to the qualifiers. It’s just that that’s the position that we’re in.”

With one game remaining in the series, the immediate future is about pride. Despite the series defeat, Jangoo called on his teammates to channel the energy of the passionate Bajan supporters and finish the tour on a winning note.

“Yeah, we have one more game of cricket to play. We got some amazing support from the Bajan supporters today, so I think we have to come out, play with pride, and even get a win just to end the series on a high,” he concluded.

The fifth and final ODI will be played on Tuesday, where the West Indies will look to salvage some respectability against a New Zealand side that has shown superior composure in the tight moments.

The death toll from last weekend’s boating tragedy has risen to 10, after eight bodies were discovered on Monday as teams continue the grim task of searching and retrieving bodies.

A statement issued by the Guyana government said that the ongoing search-and-rescue operation involving the MV Barima is ongoing and that “by 12:35 pm (local time), eight bodies had been recovered during today’s operation, bringing the total number of confirmed bodies recovered since the incident to 10.

“The identification process includes the involvement of relatives and will be done at the Suddie Hospital. The Government remains fully committed to the operation and continues to deploy all available resources to locate and account for every person who was aboard the MV Barima at the time of the tragic incident,” the brief statement added.

Tragedy struck on Saturday night when the MV Barima with more than 133 people on board capsized after after apparently being hit by a big wave as it made its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region of the country. The authorities said 67 people have so far been rescued.

The passenger and cargo ferry capsized approximately seven miles offshore near the mouth of the Pomeroon River while en route to the North West District.

The vessel’s captain and first engineer have been arrested after both tested positive for narcotics.

The search operations continue for at least 70 other people still missing and feared dead with the authorities confirming that a number of individuals who were rescued were not listed on the vessel’s official manifest.

President Irfaan Ali, who cut short a visit to Canada on Sunday night, said he met on Monday with “our brothers and sisters who were rescued, as well as the families of those affected by the MV Barima tragedy.

“I also visited survivors receiving medical care at the Mabaruma Hospital. We will continue to work closely with every affected family, providing the necessary support and assistance during this difficult period,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page.

The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre said that it deployed 13 assets from first light on Monday and has wince released the names of those rescued.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has dismissed claims that the MV Barima was unseaworthy, saying that the vessel was operating within its routine maintenance schedule and was due for planned dry docking later this year.

Edghill said the ferry was last dry docked in 2024 and was scheduled to undergo its next dry docking during the latter half of 2026, alongside the MV Malali and MV Hercules, dismissing reports circulating publicly suggesting the vessel had been declared unfit for service.

Edghill has told distressed families that vessels with scanners and divers have been deployed and would enable the rescue teams to search for any life in the water instead of solely depending on eyesight or listening for calls. These vessels have been borrowed from private operators. Divers are also part of the search.

“Because we know how emotional this is, we’ve deployed a number of divers who have gone to the site of the vessel to actually go into the vessel because in our rescue efforts we must leave no stone unturned,” Edghill said.

The vessel’s captain and first engineer have been arrested after both tested positive for narcotics.

Meanwhile, the authorities say they are investigating a report made by a fisherman regarding the possible location of the sunken MV Barima. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre said based on that information it “immediately directed all assets engaged in the search and rescue/ recovery operation to the identified location to verify the reported sighting.

“Further information will be provided once the sighting has been confirmed and the responding teams have completed their initial assessment,” it added.

A 15-member team from the French Armed Forces in French Guiana has since arrived in Essequibo to assist with ongoing search, rescue, and recovery operations. Led by Lieutenant Commander Alexis Touboul, the team includes 12 specialist divers, two medics, and one mechanic.

West Indies Select XI, replying to Pakistan’s 455-5 declared, reached 268 for eight at the close of play on the third day of their four-day warm-up match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Monday.

PAKISTAN 455-4 dec in 136.5 overs (Azan Awais 100 retired hurt, Babar Azam 100 retired hurt, Shan Masood 70, Abdullah Fazal 50 retired hurt, Salman Ali Agha 46, Muhammad Rizwan 44 not out, Aamir Jamal 22, Imam-ul-Haq 10; Ryan Bandoo 2-86).

WEST INDIES XI 268-8 in 84 overs (Kavem Hodge 92, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 51, Jyd Goolie 44 not out; Mohammad Ali 3-36, Aamir Jamal 2-33, Ali Usman 2-62)

A Jamaican woman is to be handed over to the Department of Immigration after completing her court ordered fine and or sentencing after she was found guilty of injuring her ex-boyfriend by hitting him in the head with a hammer during a fight in which she claimed he stabbed her.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville, said that while the offence carried a maximum sentence of one year in prison, he fined 18-year-old Melissa Coke, US$500 or three months’ imprisonment.

The court heard that Coke reportedly injured Keano Rolle during a fight at their residence on July 8. She said Coke took his phone during an argument before the dispute escalated and even though she pleaded guilty to causing harm, she claimed she acted in self-defence.

Coke alleged that Rolle stabbed and struck her during the same altercation.

Magistrate Serville noted that Rolle is also before the court in connection with the incident and referred to the extreme provocation Coke endured. However, he said he wanted the sentence to deter similar incidents.

The court also riulerd that after paying the fine or completing the prison term, Coke will be handed over to the Department of Immigration.

The Guyana government Monday confirmed that the location of the MV Barima, which sunk after capsizing on Saturday night with more than 133 people on board.

“The potential location was identified at 13:31 hours (local time) today by fisherman Haresh Singh, who had earlier assisted in rescue efforts yesterday,” the brief government statement said, adding that “support from local fisherfolk, along with the privately owned vessel, Gilligan Island, has been of great assistance in confirming the location of the vessel”.

The statement said that “full recovery mode is being pursued” and that the French government has provided support in the form of 15 divers, who have since joined the local team of divers at the site.

“Bodies recovered will be taken to Charity for processing by health and police authorities. Relatives will be invited to identify the bodies at the Suddie Hospital,” the statement said.

Earlier, the government announced that the death toll from last weekend’s boating tragedy had risen to 10, after eight bodies were discovered on Monday.

“The identification process includes the involvement of relatives and will be done at the Suddie Hospital. The Government remains fully committed to the operation and continues to deploy all available resources to locate and account for every person who was aboard the MV Barima at the time of the tragic incident,” the brief statement added.

Tragedy struck on Saturday night when the MV Barima capsized after apparently being hit by a big wave as it made its way from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, a small village within the Barima-Waini administrative region of the country. The authorities said 67 people have so far been rescued.

The vessel’s captain and first engineer have been arrested after both tested positive for narcotics. The search operations continue for at least 70 other people still missing and feared dead with the authorities confirming that a number of individuals who were rescued were not listed on the vessel’s official manifest.

President Irfaan Ali,who cut short a visit to Canada on Sunday night, said he met on Monday with “our brothers and sisters who were rescued, as well as the families of those affected by the MV Barima tragedy.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill has dismissed claims that the MV Barima was unseaworthy, saying that the vessel was operating within its routine maintenance schedule and was due for planned dry docking later this year.

Barbados Under-19s continued their dominant march through the CWI Rising Stars Men’s 50-over Championship on Monday, securing their fifth consecutive victory with a commanding seven-wicket thrashing of Jamaica.

At Bethesda Sports Ground: The Young Bajans have now stamped their authority on the tournament in emphatic fashion, booking their place in Wednesday’s final with an unblemished record that has sent a clear warning to their remaining rivals.

Barbados seamer Zarell Harding led the demolition job with the ball, claiming figures of 4-24 as Jamaica were skittled for a paltry 107 in just 27.5 overs after they decided to bat.

The Jamaican innings never gained any traction and looked in tatters at 69 for seven in the 22nd over, with only lower-order batter Geovanni Grey offering resistance with 24 and Joel Williams remaining unbeaten on 16.

Harding received excellent support from Justin Parris, who chipped in with 3-17 to ensure the Jamaicans never recovered from early setbacks.

In reply, Barbados made light work of the modest target, racing to 110-3 in just 14.4 overs. Jordan Graham top-scored with a brisk 29, while captain Gadson Bowens contributed 21 and Kemar Dixon finished unbeaten on 19 to see his side home with plenty of time to spare.

The victory means Barbados have now won all five of their round-robin matches and will head into the final full of confidence as they chase back-to-back regional Under-19 crowns.

At Pigotts Sports Ground: Windward Islands produced a dominant display to crush Guyana by a mammoth 219 runs.

Opting to bat first, the Windwards amassed an imposing 315-9, powered by Theo Edward’s fluent 87 and Derwin Lewis’s aggressive 73.

Cody Fontinelle provided valuable support with 33 as Adrian Hetmyer took 4-47 and Gilbert Griffith 3-36, leading the Guyana bowling effort.

The chase proved catastrophic for Guyana, who were skittled for just 96 inside 17.1 overs. It was all over by the shout as Guyana were at one stage 29-7. However, Darwin Joseph’s unbeaten 33 was the only innings of note, while Elran Glasgow wreaked havoc with 4-30 and Tyler Venner claimed 3-11 to complete the rout.

At Liberta Sports Club: Trinidad and Tobago kept their final hopes alive with a tense four-wicket victory over Leeward Islands.

The Leewards posted a competitive 270-9 in their 50 overs, with Eirette Richards top-scoring with 83 and Matthew Miller contributing 65.

Tanez Francis chipped in with 38, but Qadeer Juman’s excellent spell of 4-29 and Christian Lall’s 3-15 restricted the total.

T and T’s chase was anchored by Tariq Richards, who fell just short of a century with a brilliant 88. He found able support from Ethan Ramchran 48 and Levi Ghanny 47, who kept the innings on track despite Kunal Tolokani’s three-wicket haul of 3-38. The Red Force reached their target with 10 balls to spare, finishing on 273-6.