Category: CANA News

A technical assessment mission for the United Nations Support Office in Haiti has completed its work that is intended to validate the concept for the establishment of the UN Support Office.

UN Deputy Spokesman, Farhan Haq, said that the Support Office was authorised by the Security Council adopted on 30 September.

‘As you can imagine, the purpose of this assessment mission was to move forward with this process and to validate the mission support concept for the establishment of the UN Support Office.’

He said that a team of technical experts and planners from the Department of Operational Support – including engineering, procurement, logistics, telecommunications, together with security colleagues travelled to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The team, alongside representatives from the departments of Peace Operations and Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, also went to Washington D.C. to work with key interlocutors.

‘Throughout the mission, the team met with a variety of stakeholders to prepare for the transition of support. This included Haitian authorities, the UN Country Team and our political mission in Haiti – BINUH.

‘They also met with Dominican Republic authorities, current contractors, the Organization of American States and member states who are supporting Haiti,’ Haq said, adding that immediately following the adoption of the Security Council resolution in September, the Department of Operational Support initiated its operational planning across all mandated areas to assume responsibility for full logistical support to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) by the end of March next year – and to meet the six month timeline of the mandate.

‘Planning and delivery for the UN Support Office will be undertaken with strong coordination and cooperation across the UN system, also in line with the Security Council Resolution,’ Haq added.

The GSF is a new multinational security force approved by the UN Security Council in September to replace the previous Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. Authorised for an initial 12-month mandate, the GSF will be larger and will have a mandate to proactively ‘neutralize, isolate, and deter’ gangs in Haiti, in addition to supporting the Haitian National Police (HNP).

The GSF is also tasked with securing key infrastructure, combating illicit arms trafficking, and creating conditions for elections and other institutional stability. It has a more aggressive mandate to conduct independent, ‘intelligence-led’ operations to neutralize gangs, unlike the previous mission which was limited to supporting the HNP.

The GSF, which will have a maximum of 5,550 personnel, consisting of 5,500 uniformed troops and 50 civilians, is authorised to arrest suspected gang members.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett says it is imperative that the 15-member regional integration grouping focus on energy security through the renewable energy potential that exists in all the member states.

‘Energy security is no longer a distant goal; it is a regional priority that requires bold, forward-thinking deliberations and decisions. We must invest in energy systems that empower our people, and embrace the technologies that will shape our future,’ she said in a statement, as the region observes the month of November as CARICOM Energy Month 2025 under the theme ”Invest, Innovate, Sustain: Leading the Charge in Renewable Energy Frontiers’.

She said access to affordable finance for critical climate-resilient infrastructure is therefore essential.

‘Concessional financing, along with innovative mechanisms such as green bonds are vital to attracting long-term investment in renewable energy technologies. Public-private partnerships are important to reduce dependence on public finances. These approaches promote long-term resilience and prosperity.’

Barnett said that the theme for CARICOM Energy Month 2025, ‘conveys our collective ambition, shared commitment and readiness to embrace a future where energy is clean, sustainable, and a catalyst for economic resilience, social equity, and regional solidarity’.

Barnett said beyond adopting new technologies, the region must also craft innovative solutions that are scalable and tailored to its unique context.

‘ From battery storage and microgrids, to electric vehicles and smart energy management, CARICOM member states can leverage natural resource assets and intellectual capital to pioneer forward-looking solutions.

‘Regional collaboration, knowledge exchange, cross-sector partnerships and community engagement can amplify these efforts and help to position our Community as a leader in climate-smart energy innovation.’

She said that true sustainability means achieving energy security while simultaneously advancing economic growth, social equity, and climate resilience. Energy systems should minimise environmental impact, foster social inclusion, and deliver equitable economic benefits.

‘Let us strengthen partnerships across governments, Regional Institutions, development agencies, and with the private sector and civil society. Together, we can build a Caribbean Community that is energy-secure, climate-resilient, economically dynamic, and a leader in renewable energy.’

The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) says it is working urgently to restore banking services, including access to cash, in communities hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.

In a statement, the BOJ, which also functions as the country’s central bank, said it is working in collaboration with the Jamaica Bankers Association (JBA) and that several banks have already resumed operations in some locations.

However, it acknowledged that significant obstacles remain in reactivating branch networks and automated teller machines (ATMs) across the island.

The BOJ said that these challenges include physical damage to facilities, displacement of staff, impassable roads, and extensive power and telecommunications outages. Security concerns have also emerged amid the difficult post-hurricane conditions.

Despite the disruptions, the BOJ said that critical payment systems, such as its Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) platform, remain operational and that it has also suspended RTGS transaction fees for financial institutions until further notice and has urged banks to extend this relief to their customers.

The BOJ said it is also assessing other temporary measures to support depositors and businesses, particularly in parishes most severely affected by the hurricane that tore into the country last Tuesday, killing at least 28 people and leaving a trail of damage, destruction and death.

The BOJ reiterated that it is coordinating closely with the banking sector to restore access to cash and full banking services as soon as possible and all the banks are committed to providing regular updates on their progress.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica National Group,(JN Money Services) Monday said it is waiving fees on money transfers to Jamaica until Thursday to assist families and friends trying to help loved ones in Jamaica.

‘The move is in addition to the facilitation of efforts under the ISupportJamaica Fund for Hurricane Melissa. Donations to the fund will benefit the most vulnerable; children’s homes, early childhood institutions, homes for the elderly, healthcare facilities, as well as registered community groups operating in the worst affected areas,’ the JN Money Services said.

‘These initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to supporting our people during challenging times,’ said Horace Hines, general manager of JN Money Services, adding ‘we have witnessed unprecedented devastation from Hurricane Melissa, and it will take our collective effort to rebuild and recover. We are heartened by the support already extended and remain committed to doing our part to help with these critical efforts’.

New York-based immigration advocates have strongly condemned the Trump administration’s cap on Caribbean and other refugees admitted to the United States.

Last Friday, President Donald Trump published in the Federal Register his refugee admissions goal for the fiscal year 2026 (FY26), confirming early reports that he will admit the fewest number of refugees in the 45-year history of the refugee program.

‘The FY26 Presidential Determination of 7,500 refugees will make the refugee programme accessible primarily to Afrikaners from South Africa, excluding tens of thousands of individuals with approved refugee status and who are vulnerable and at high risk but in limbo since January 2025,’ Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

NYIC is an umbrella policy and advocacy organization that represents over 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups throughout New York and Awawdeh said that the US Refugee Admissions Programme has long been a critical lifesaving programe offering a safe and legal pathway for people who have fled violence and persecution.

‘For over four decades, it has saved hundreds of thousands of lives while simultaneously enriching local communities and economies across the country,’ he said, adding that while while Trump’s war on asylum seekers and refugees is ‘no secret’, his administration ‘reached a new low’ in Friday’s decision.

‘After defying US law by failing to consult with Congress, the Trump administration unequivocally shut the door on our proud, centuries-long tradition of welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution, leaving thousands in limbo and many more in peril,’ Awawdeh said.

He said the administration’s justifications for practically eliminating refugee admissions ‘remains vague, posing a major threat to the cultural and economic vitality of New York.

‘Refugee communities have stabilized neighborhoods and contributed significantly to our economy from Brentwood to Buffalo. We call on the Trump administration to reverse course and uphold our country’s long standing refugee program by prioritizing those most at-risk, including religious minorities, unaccompanied refugee children, families awaiting reunification, and others.’

In his Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2026, Trump wrote that ‘the admissions of up to 7,500 refugees to the United States during Fiscal Year 2026 is justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest.

‘The admissions numbers shall primarily be allocated among Afrikaners from South Africa pursuant to Executive Order 14204, and other victims of illegal or unjust discrimination in their respective homelands,’ Trump wrote.

‘Refugee admissions under this determination, which may reach but not exceed the numerical limit described herein, are in all respects subject to the requirements of other Presidential policies and actions, whether issued prior or subsequent to this determination.’

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) says it fully supports the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) after it announced a crackdown on illegal mining and smuggling of gold.

The GGMC had carried out enforcement exercises in the Sand Hills and Toroparu areas during which several illegal miners and raiders were detained, and several illegal shops and operations were dismantled.

In its statement, the GGDMA also commended the Guyana Police (GPF) for its support in the exercise, while urging the GMC to increase its enforcement efforts to stamp out illegal gold mining.

‘The GGDMA calls on the GGMC to expand this exercise to other areas and commence the regularization of landings in the mining areas. It must be noted that illegal gold mining and the operation of illegal shops fuels other associated illegal activities, such as human trafficking, gold smuggling and the sale of illegal drugs. These activities have in the past been tied directly to the gangs in Venezuela including the notorious Sindicato gang.

‘At a time when Guyana is under threat from its aggressive neighbour, the country must take all steps to stop activities linked to the financing activities in Venezuela,’ the GGDMA said.

It said it has always called for an end to illegal mining, reminding miners that all gold must be sold to the Guyana Gold Board or authorized dealers and detailed records be kept for verification.

Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigations into the murder of a 22-year-old man, who was working as a miner at Issano Landing in Middle Mazaruni, Region 7 on Sunday.

The policce said that he has been identified as Samuel Marciano and that he was shot multiple times while attending a social gathering at a shop in the gold mining area of Linden. It is unclear what led to the shooting.

However, the Police said its preliminary inquiries have indicated that Marciano was shot multiple times by two known individuals.

CMC/gt/ir/2025

Two Caribbean nationals have been selected to participate in the United Nations Fellowship Programme for People of African Descent, hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva.

The National Community Foundation (NCF) said its Executive Director Vanya Reid-Hinkson and a Jamaican national are among nine fellows selected globally for the 2025 cohort and tat their selection speaks to the Caribbean’s enduring resilience and commitment to advancing equitable development, inclusion, and social justice across the region.

‘This fellowship is both an honour and a responsibility. It provides an opportunity to represent Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean in the global conversation on equality and human development.

‘The lessons from this experience will help strengthen how we, as communities and institutions, respond to the needs of our people with fairness, compassion, and accountability,’ said Reid-Hinkson.

The Fellowship Programme was initiated by the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section in 2011 and was further supported by General Assembly resolution on the Programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

It is an annual, intensive human rights training programme in Geneva for individuals from the diaspora who are actively promoting the rights of people of African descent.

The goal is to provide participants with a deeper understanding of international human rights law, strengthen their skills in advocacy, and give them hands-on experience with UN human rights mechanisms. The programme covers return airfare, living expenses, and basic health insurance for the duration of the training.

Fellows will participate in an intensive three-week programme at the United Nations Office in Geneva, engaging with experts, international organisations, and permanent missions, while developing practical projects that address the specific needs of their countries.

As part of her fellowship, Reid-Hinkson will focus on strengthening national mechanisms for human rights education, community empowerment, and policy accountability – areas that align closely with Saint Lucia’s development goals and ongoing efforts to promote inclusion, social protection, and citizen participation.

The NCF said it views this fellowship as a valuable opportunity to deepen partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector, reaffirming its mission to uphold dignity, equity, and inclusion as pillars of sustainable national development.

Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from T20 Internationals, ruling him out of the upcoming T20I series against West Indies, which begins on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old has featured in 93 T20Is for New Zealand since his debut in October 2011 and retires as New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer in the format, with 2,575 runs at an average of 33.44, including 18 fifties and a highest score of 95.

Kane Williamson

While Williamson will not feature in the five-match T20I series against the Windies and is also unlikely to play in the following three-match ODI series, he has made himself available for the three Test series, which begins on December 2.

Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s best batsmen, it also means Williamson will miss out on next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February.

He last featured in a T20I for the Black Caps in June 2024, against Papua New Guinea.

‘It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences,’ Williamson said.

‘It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus which is the T20 World Cup.

‘There’s so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup,’ he added.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive, Scott Weenink said Williamson had earned the right to decide how he finished his ODI and Test careers.

‘We’ve made it clear to Kane he has our full support as he reaches the back end of his illustrious career.

‘We would, of course, love to see him play for as long as possible, but there’s no doubt whenever he does decide to finally call time, he will go down as a legend of New Zealand cricket,’ Weenink said.

Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange, says her Ministry will be leading a series of fundraising concerts on the island and across the world to support Jamaica in the aftermath Hurricane Melissa.

The five concert series dubbed ‘I Love Jamaica’ will feature some of the island’s ‘best Reggae artistes and musicians as well as friends of Jamaica’ with all proceeds going towards the national recovery programme.

‘We have been hit hard by this very powerful hurricane which took lives and in which many of our citizens lost everything. We face a long and challenging road ahead, but we will recover and rebuild stronger with support and by working together,’ said Grange.

The first ‘I Love Jamaica’ concert is scheduled to take place on November 14.

The Ministry is also finalising arrangements for other concerts to take place in London, New York, Toronto and South Florida.

‘As we have done so many times before, we turn to our music, our Reggae music, which has proven to be a healing balm and elixir at times of trouble and distress for not only Jamaicans, but for the world.’

The concert series is part of a wider programme being led by the Ministry to build morale, lift the national spirit, and encourage volunteerism for the long recovery.

‘With our culture, entertainment, sports and religious communities, we will be reaching out to those most affected by the hurricane and mobilising volunteers to participate in the recovery programme.

Grange said her ministry will continue to work closely with the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, and other government and private-sector entities to establish a registration process and mobilise volunteers.

‘There is much to do, but many hands make light work. Each of us can do something to help and so we encourage everyone to do what they can. Every little act will make a difference,’ she said.

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder is the new captain of the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the upcoming 2025-26 edition of the International League T20 (ILT20).

Following a standout season with the team, the 33-year-old Barbadian replaces fellow West Indian Sunil Narine, who led the side in the previous seasons.

Holder joined the franchise earlier this year for the ILT20 2025 season and quickly made his mark with impressive all-round performances.

Despite the team finishing at the bottom of the points table, Holder stood out, claiming 17 wickets and scoring 126 runs at a blistering strike rate of 180.

Holder, a former West Indies captain, will lead a star-studded squad, featuring marquee players such as Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford and Narine.

His leadership, combined with his vast T20 experience across multiple leagues worldwide, is expected to bring renewed balance and energy to the side.

The Knight Riders failed to shine under Narine’s leadership, managing only three wins, while suffering seven defeats in their 10 matches during the 2025 season, which left them rooted at the bottom of the table in the six-team tournament.

The team also struggled in the 2023 and 2024 editions, finishing in the cellar position in both campaigns.

The Knight Riders will bowl off their ILT20 2025-26 season against Sharjah Warriorz in Sharjah on December 3.

All-rounders Matthew Forde and Shamar Springer have been added to the West Indies’ T20I squad as they seek to strengthen their bowling attack for their upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting Wednesday.

The two Barbadians are the only new additions to the 15-member squad which trounced Bangladesh 3-0 in their just concluded T20I series on Friday.

Forde, who suffered a shoulder injury in the summer, has been recalled after successfully completing the rehabilitation and return-to-play protocols process.

Matthew Forde has been added to the West Indies’ T20I squad to face New Zealand

Meanwhile, Springer has also been included to bolster a seam bowling unit which has suffered several injuries, most recently to Ramon Simmons and Jediah Blades, who have both been ruled out for this series.

Fast bowlers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph are also unavailable.

In an interesting development, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been dropped from the side, following a recent dip in form which has been attributed primarily to a technical issue with his action.

With conditions in New Zealand not expected to be as conducive to spin bowling, a decision has been taken for Motie to work with specialists, through collaboration with the Royals Sports Group – owners of the Paarl Royals franchise South Africa, prior to his participation in December’s SA20 to address the issue and rebuild confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

CWI also disclosed that clinical psychologist, Krisnan Hurdle has been hired as a mental skills and performance coach starting with the New Zealand tour

Director of Cricket at CWI, Miles Bascombe said Hurdle’s appointment was a strategic move to align with global practices while enhancing output in the international arena.

‘The addition of a mental skills and performance coach reflects our commitment to developing the complete cricketer. At the elite level, success is as much about mindset and composure as it is about technical ability.

‘Strengthening this area ensures that our players are provided with the necessary non-technical support geared towards equipping them to manage pressure and maintain focus,’ Bascombe said.

TEAM

WEST INDIES T20I SQUAD vs IRELAND: Shai Hope (captain), Alick Athanaze, Ackeem Auguste, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Brandon King, Khary Pierre, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springer.