Category: CANA News

Pakistan reached 184 for two against a West Indies Select XI at the close of play on the opening day of their four-day warmup match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy here on Saturday.

PAKISTAN 184-2 in 60.4 overs (Azan Awais 78 not out, Shan Masood 70, Babar Azam 14 not out, Imam-ul-Haq 10).

Barbados defended their CWI Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over Championship title in emphatic fashion by defeating Trinidad and Tobago in the fourth and penultimate round here on Saturday.

It was their fourth win in as many matches and with the Leeward Islands’ loss to Guyana, Barbados cannot be overtaken in Monday’s final round of matches.

In the day’s other result, Jamaica emerged victorious by trouncing the Windward Islands.

At Pigotts Sports Ground: Barbados will be crowned champions once again following their comprehensive six-wicket victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

The win moved their record to 4-0 with just one round of matches to go, with their nearest challengers holding 2-2 records.

The result always seemed likely once T and T were routed for just 141 in 37.1 overs, thanks mainly to a five-wicket haul by Rajeev Parsooram.

Barbados had a slight wobble early on, losing both their openers cheaply, but recovered to comfortably reach 142 for four in 31.1 overs.

T and T seemed on track to post a competitive total when openers Christian Lall and Levi Ghanny were at the crease during a 92-run stand.

But once Parsooram got the breakthrough by having Lall caught for 54 off 63 balls, T and T lost their way.

Raphael Lovell had Ghanny stumped for 25, while Tariq Richards, Christiano Ramanan and Renaldo Fournillier all fell cheaply to leave T and T stuttering at 110 for five after 26 overs.

Captain Brendan Boodoo scored 22, but no other batters got into double digits and their innings folded meekly.

Parsooram finished with figures of 5-35, while Justin Parris took 2-9 and Lovell 2-21.

Barbados found themselves in a spot of bother when Fournillier accounted for the wickets of Gadson Bowens and Damarko Wiggins to leave them 11 for two in the sixth over.

But knocks of 37 from Jordan Graham and 23 from Kemar Dixon, along with an unbeaten 40 by Seth Smith and Parris’ contribution of 27 not out, helped Barbados ease to victory with almost 20 overs to spare.

Smith and Parris shared an unbroken partnership of 54 for the fifth wicket that rescued them from a ticklish position of 88 for four.

At Liberta Sports Club: The Leeward Islands were the only side that stood a chance of unseating the defending champions, but their title hopes went up in flames when they were surprisingly trounced by 121 runs by the previously winless Guyana.

After choosing to bat first, Guyana was led by half centuries from captain Parmeshwar Ram and Adrian Hetmyer, before being bowled out for 272 in 47.1 overs.

The Leeward Islands were then doomed by a middle order collapse that saw them crumble from 70 for two to 151 all out in 37.4 overs.

It was a solid all-around performance from a Guyana outfit that had failed to win any of their three previous matches.

They owed their total to a 104-run partnership between Ram and Hetmyer that steadied the innings following the early dismissals of opener Khush Seegobin and Justin Dowlin.

When Ram was needlessly run out for 79 off 82 balls, with 10 fours and three sixes, Guyana were still well placed at 143 for three after 26 overs.

At that stage they would have been hoping to post a bigger total, but Matthew Miller’s four wicket haul and the unfortunate run out of Hetmyer for 76 off 90 balls, which included seven fours and one six, stunted their momentum.

Emmanuel Lewis scored a vital 42 batting at number seven, which contributed to the final total.

Miller ended with 4-45, while Kerique Mentore took 2-51.

After losing Tanez Francis and Lyhte Browne early, Kunal Tilokani and J’Quan Athanaze consolidated during a 41-run partnership for the third wicket.

However, when Gilbert Griffith bowled Tilokani for 37, the Leeward Islands lost four wickets for 28 runs to slide to 98 for six.

Lawshorn Bergan, who scored 31, led a brief lower order fightback, but they lost their last three wickets for four runs to seal their defeat.

Griffith took 3-29 and Ram 2-32.

At Bethesda Sports Ground: Jamaica kept the Windward Islands winless by handing them a 114-run whipping.

Buoyed by an unbeaten century from opener Tyson Gordon Jr and half centuries by captain Odane Binns and Demarco Scott, Jamaica coasted to 252 for three in their 50 overs.

The Windward Islands’ batters then failed to fire, with Perico Henry’s four-wicket haul helping to bowl them out for a meagre 139 runs in 25.3 overs.

Henry claimed the wickets of Earshino Fontaine, Zach Thomas and Tyler Venner in quick succession to reduce the Windwards to 51 for six.

The Windward Islands only managed to get over the 100-run mark thanks to a fighting knock of 47 from Cody Fontinelle, with the outcome of the match long decided.

Henry claimed 4-28 and Joel Williams 2-25.

Earlier, Gordon Jr and Binns shared a partnership of 103 runs for the first wicket, which helped to set the tempo for the remainder of the innings.

Binns was eventually dismissed for 55 off 97 balls, with the wickets of Demario Hall and Pajay Nelson falling in quick order to make the score 141 for three.

But Gordon Jr, who finished unbeaten on 102 off 132 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, and Scott, who scored 52 not out off 45 balls, shared an unbroken partnership of 111 runs to take Jamaica to a winning target.

The Cayman Islands has confirmed one case of cyclosporiasis, but public health officials say the infection was acquired overseas and there is no evidence of local transmission.

The confirmation comes as the United States investigates a widespread outbreak of the intestinal illness.

More than 1,600 domestically acquired cases have been confirmed since May, with thousands more under investigation. US health officials believe the outbreak may be linked to contaminated packaged lettuce and other leafy greens, although the source has not yet been identified.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite Cyclospora and is typically spread through contaminated food or water, particularly raw fruits and vegetables exposed to water contaminated with human waste.

The illness commonly causes diarrhoea, which can last for weeks or months if left untreated. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, bloating, fatigue and weight loss. Most people recover with appropriate medical treatment.

Despite the ongoing outbreak in the United States, Chief Medical Officer Dr Hilary Wolf said there is no evidence to suggest an increased risk to residents of the Cayman Islands.

She noted that the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory has the capability to detect cyclospora infections and that health officials continue to monitor developments through international public health partners while maintaining enhanced surveillance.

Medical Officer of Health Dr Eryka Simmons said no specific food product, brand or retailer has been identified as the source of the US outbreak. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that lettuce and other leafy greens, particularly pre-packaged salads, are potential sources of infection.

She urged residents to practise good hand hygiene and wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating, even if they are labelled as pre-washed.

Department of Environmental Health Director Richard Simms said imported produce continues to undergo routine inspections to ensure it is transported and stored under appropriate refrigeration. He said spoiled or contaminated produce detected during inspections is condemned and destroyed.

Health officials are advising anyone who develops persistent diarrhoea or other symptoms consistent with cyclosporiasis, particularly after recent travel to the United States or following the consumption of fresh produce, to seek medical attention promptly.

The Public Health Department is also encouraging residents to practise good food safety by washing hands regularly, cleaning fresh produce thoroughly, refrigerating perishable foods, drinking safe water and following any official food recall notices.

Health Minister Katherine Ebanks-Wilks said the government would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates if public health guidance changes.

All 33 children residing at the Hope Children’s Home on the East Coast of Demerara have been safely evacuated following a fire at the facility on Friday.

According to fire officials, at the time the fire broke out , the children were attending Vacation Bible School (VBS) in the church building on the compound.

The blaze reportedly started in the boys’ dormitory.

All of the children were immediately evacuated and assembled in a safe area on the dam.

The ministry of Human and Social services confirmed that every child has been accounted for, comprising 15 girls and 18 boys.

The Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), along with officials from the ministry, has already begun relocating the children to state care facilities, where they will continue to receive the care, protection and support they need.

The ministry says the safety and well-being of the children remain its highest priority and will continue to monitor the situation.

The United States has imposed sanctions on 10 Cuban entities as part of what it described as a broader effort to counter the Cuban government’s activities in Cuba and throughout the region.

In a statement, the US Department of State said the measures target organizations that generate revenue for the Cuban government, support its security apparatus, and participate in the surveillance and repression of Cuban citizens.

The sanctions were announced under Executive Order 14404, which authorizes penalties against individuals and entities linked to repression in Cuba and activities deemed contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests.

“These actions target interlocking pillars of that apparatus: state-owned entities that funnel revenue to the regime and paramilitary forces, armed civilian groups, and surveillance organizations that repress the Cuban people,” the State Department said.

The move follows a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio marking the fifth anniversary of the July 2021 anti-government protests in Cuba.

“The United States will continue to use every tool at our disposal to both address the national security threats posed by the Cuban Communist regime, and to drive the economic and political reforms to give Cuba a better future,” Rubio said.

Among the entities sanctioned is the Milicias de Tropas Territoriales (MTT), a civilian paramilitary force that operates under Cuba’s Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR). The Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution (ACRC) was also designated. US officials describe the organization as a social and paramilitary group that assists with surveillance of government critics.

The State Department also sanctioned Corporacion Antillana Exportadora (ANTEX S.A.), which it said is linked to the military-controlled Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S.A. (GAESA). US authorities allege the company manages the export of Cuban labor to Angola.

The Rapid Response Brigades, armed civilian groups organized and trained by the Cuban government, were also added to the sanctions list.

Several state-owned companies were designated for their role in generating revenue for the Cuban government. These include Enetec S.A. and Coreydan S.A., both involved in the import and export of fuel and energy-related products.

Other sanctioned entities are Grupo Empresarial de Comercio Exterior (GECOMEX), which manages a significant portion of Cuba’s foreign trade; Organizacion Superior de Direccion Empresarial Caudal S.A. (CAUDAL), which operates in insurance, reinsurance and financial services; and Grupo Empresarial de Transporte Maritimo Portuario (GEMAR), a major player in Cuba’s maritime sector.

The US also designated the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba (MINTUR), describing it as one of the most influential entities in the country’s tourism industry outside of GAESA.

According to the State Department, the sanctions support the objectives of Executive Order 14380, “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba,” and National Security Presidential Memorandum 5, which seek to promote human rights, democratic governance, free enterprise and the rule of law in Cuba.

As a result of the measures, all property and interests in property of the designated entities that are subject to US jurisdiction are blocked and must be reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The sanctions also apply to any entity that is owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more of the designated organizations.

As a tribute to former West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers, Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that admission to Kensington Oval for the final two One Day Internationals between West Indies and New Zealand will be free.

Sir Garry, widely regarded as the greatest cricketer of all time, passed away at his home in Barbados on Friday at the age of 89 after ailing for some time.

As a mark of respect, CWI took the decision to allow free entry into the venue for the two ODIs on Sunday and Tuesday.

Patrons who have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund, which will be processed within seven days.

In a statement issued on Friday, CWI said the matches would “serve as a celebration of the greatest cricketer the game has ever known, with tributes planned to commemorate Sir Garfield’s extraordinary contribution to cricket, Barbados, the Caribbean and the world.”

CWI’s chief executive officer, Chris Dehring said the decision to open the gates free of charge reflects the immeasurable impact Sir Garfield had on generations of West Indians and cricket lovers around the world.

“Sir Garfield Sobers belonged to all of us. While Barbados was his home, his brilliance united the Caribbean and captivated the cricketing world. Kensington Oval is a fitting place to honour his life and incomparable career, a venue where so many unforgettable chapters of his remarkable journey were written.

“We want every individual in Barbados to have the opportunity to come together as one cricket family to honour a man who inspired millions and whose legacy will live forever. These matches will be more than international cricket fixtures; they will be celebrations of an extraordinary life and a chance for all of us to say thank you to the greatest cricketer the game has ever known,” Dehring said.

Pakistan’s duo of Azan Awais and Shan Masood were the standout players on a rain-affected first day of play in their four-day warmup match against a West Indies Select XI.

On a day where only 60.4 overs were possible, Awais and Masood scored contrasting half centuries to help their side up to 184 for two.

Awais added 39 runs for the first wicket with Imam-ul-Haq, before fast bowler Ojay Shields dismissed the latter for 10.

Awais then joined forces with Masoon, with the pair sharing a 108-run partnership for the second wicket.

The home side’s captain, Jomel Warrican broke the stand by having Masood caught for 70 off 100 balls, inclusive of 10 boundaries.

His dismissal brought Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam to the crease, and together with Awais they added a further 37 runs before the end of play.

Awais finished the day unbeaten on 78 off 189 balls and has so far struck seven boundaries, while Azam was on 14 not out.

Below is a statement issued by Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley on Friday following the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers.

“My fellow Barbadians, friends of Barbados, and lovers of cricket in every corner of the world. This is a solemn hour for our nation. It is with profound sadness that I now advise the people of Barbados, the region and the wider cricketing world of the passing of The Right Excellent Sir Garfield St. Aubrun Sobers, our beloved Sir Gary. Across Barbados and across the world, we hold him with gratitude, with reverence, and with the tender sorrow that comes when a people have to say farewell to one of their greatest sons.

“Sir Garfield St Aubrun Sobers, our Sir Gary, did not begin life among privilege or parade. He began in Walcott Avenue, Bay Land, a boy of Barbados, shaped by family, community, loss, discipline and faith.

“He travelled from Bay Land to Kensington, from Kensington to Sabina Park, and onto the world stage, carrying his country Barbados, carrying the West Indies, and carrying the Caribbean as a whole with distinction.

“Long before people spoke about the GOAT, the Greatest of All Time, the Mighty Sparrow settled the debate in song. He asked, “Who is the greatest cricketer on earth or Mars?” Anyone can tell you. It is the great Sir Garfield Sobers.

“He is remembered as the greatest cricketer, the greatest all-rounder the world has ever seen, not simply because of his records, but because he became the standard by which greatness would forever be measured.

“We remember the image of him kneeling to receive his knighthood in 1975, less than a mile from where he was born in the Bay Land, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, knowing full well that his people had already crowned him in their hearts.

“For many years, Sir Gary was our only living National Hero, though the world had recognised him long before Barbados made it official.

“There is a story from Swansea in 1968 that still feels larger than sport. On the fifth ball of that immortal over, Roger Davis held the catch, then the momentum carried him beyond the rope. The boundary itself could not contain Sir Gary. That was his life.

“Every innings, however great, must at some point come to a close. The finest innings do not end in silence. They end with a whole ground rising, and with a grateful people saying thank you and yes we love you.

“I had the opportunity to speak to his children, and I therefore publicly now say that, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I extend my deepest condolences to them, to Matthew, to Daniel and to Genevieve, Matthew, Daniel and Genevieve, and to his stepchildren Stuart and Trisha, children of Sir Gary’s longstanding partner Jackie White, who predeceased him; to his grandchildren, we say we are so sorry, especially Gabriel, who lived with him; to his former wife and the mother of his children, Prue; and to his younger brother, Cecil, whom we know as Saul; and to all of his family, loved ones, friends, cricket lovers, cricketers, admirers across Barbados, the Caribbean and the world.

“The Government has declared today [Friday], July 17, a Day of National Mourning. There will also be a Day of National Mourning on the day of interment of Sir Garfield. On these two days there will be no official functions. The flag will immediately be flown at half-staff and will remain so until the interment of Sir Gary. Further information regarding the place and date of the State Funeral and all other arrangements will be provided by Senator Lisa Cummins, who has been given the responsibility of coordinating the funeral with Cabinet Office and the Barbados Defence Force.

“Sir Gary, Barbados stands for you. The West Indies stands for you. The world stands for you.

“For an innings that was so well played, Sir Gary, so well played. We will always love you.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines has joined other member states within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in providing humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following the earthquakes on June 24.

St Vincent contributed to the initiative alongside Guyana, Grenada, Belize, The Bahamas, Jamaica, and St . Kitts and Nevis, complementing humanitarian support from other CARICOM member states.

According to Prime Minister Godwin Friday his administration understands firsthand the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of standing together in times of crisis

“We have faced our own difficult times, and we know how much it means to have friends and neighbours stand with you when you need them most,” Friday said.

“So, stand with our CARICOM partners and to extend a helping hand to the people of Venezuela. We hope this contribution will bring comfort and support to families and communities working to recover and rebuild,” the prime minister said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, said the regional response underscores the importance of cooperation and solidarity among Caribbean nations.

“When our neighbours face hardship, we must be prepared to stand together and respond. This humanitarian effort demonstrates what we can achieve through regional cooperation and collective action,” Bramble said.

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines is pleased to contribute to this CARICOM initiative and to stand with the Government and people of Venezuela during this difficult period.”

The shipment was received on behalf of the government and people of Venezuela by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, accompanied by the Vice Minister for the Caribbean, Raúl Li Causi.

During a brief meeting with CARICOM representatives, Interim President Delcy Rodríguez expressed gratitude to the leaders of the participating CARICOM member states for their humanitarian assistance and requested that her appreciation be conveyed to Prime Minister Friday and the people of St. Vincent .

Gil also expressed his appreciation to CARICOM, describing the bloc as a steadfast friend and partner whose solidarity reflects the strength of regional cooperation in times of need.

The twin earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, caused catastrophic damage across north-central Venezuela, resulting in over 4,800 confirmed deaths, with thousands more reported missing following building collapses.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs further said that nearly 17,000 individuals were wounded and required medical care.

Over 18,000 people lost their homes and were placed in temporary transitional camps.

The regional humanitarian initiative delivered 88 containers of relief supplies to La Guaira.

The shipment included food, medicines, construction materials, debris-removal equipment and 300 water tanks to support affected communities.

The House of Representatives has passed the Mediation Act, which seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the conduct of mediation in Jamaica.

The act governs community, court-directed, and international mediation, the registration of mediators, and the licensing and regulation of mediation service providers.

The legislation will also give effect to the provisions of the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting From Mediation, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 20, 2018.

The Bill, which was piloted by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Delroy Chuck, was passed with two amendments.

Among the changes are amendments to clause two, with the term “habitual resident” being replaced with “ordinary resident”.

In addition, amendments were made to clause 11, which deals with the offence of operating as a mediation service provider without a licence.

Chuck explained that the offence carries a maximum fine of $1 million but is being amended to also include a prison term.

“So, clause 11, we will put after $1 million, the words ‘in default of payment of the fine, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months’,” he stated.

The Mediation Act is in keeping with the country’s alternative dispute resolution framework, transforming mediation from an informal option into a structured cornerstone of the justice system.

The legislation will, among other things, provide legal certainty by clearly codifying the mediation process into domestic law and eliminating confusion for global businesses.

It also establishes the “rules of the game” giving local courts a clear framework to seamlessly recognise and enforce mediated settlement agreements.

The Bill will now be sent to the Senate for its approval.