Category: CANA News

A former opposition legislator is throwing his support behind Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, as the Caribbean’s candidate for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations.

Jermaine Figueira, who served as an opposition legislator during the period 2020-25, says the diplomat is a ‘compelling voice for the Global South’ and is the right person for guiding the global institution at this time.

‘Most will agree and accept that there are moments when the achievement of one citizen becomes bigger than politics, party, ethnicity or government. Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s increasingly competitive candidacy for Secretary-General of the United Nations is such a moment. ‘She is no longer simply participating in this historic contest; she is demonstrating that she belongs among its strongest contenders. Her performance in the selection process and her standing in the Security Council straw polls should give every Guyanese tremendous pride and should cause countries throughout the developing world to examine seriously what her leadership could mean for them.

‘This is not an argument that she should be supported merely because she comes from Guyana, the Caribbean or the Global South. She should be supported because she is qualified,’ Figueira said.

The formal recommendation and final vote to choose the next UN Secretary-General to replace Antonio Guterres are expected to take place in September or October this year, when the General Assembly appoints the successful candidate upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

The successful candidate will succeed Guterres and begin a five-year term on January 1, 2027.

In the race to succeed Guterres, Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan won the first informal UN Security Council straw poll on July 30, 2026, while Ambassador Rodrigues- Birkett took first place in the second straw poll held on August 21.

Figueira said that Rodrigues-Birkett’s journey from the Indigenous Lokono community of Santa Rosa, through service as Minister of Amerindian Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to representing Guyana at the United Nations ‘is an extraordinary testament to ability, perseverance and public service.

‘More importantly, that journey has given her an understanding of governance, diplomacy and an intimate understanding of development from the community level to the highest chambers of international decision-making,’ he said, adding that ‘her candidacy therefore carries particular significance for South America, Central America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and the wider developing world’.

Figueira said that for too long, developing countries have ‘correctly argued that international institutions must become more representative of the world they serve.

‘Nations of the Global South confront enormous challenges, climate vulnerability, debt, food insecurity, unequal access to financing, poverty, conflict and persistent inequalities within the international economic system yet their influence over global decision-making has not always reflected their numbers or their importance.’

Figueira said that Rodrigues-Birkett understands these realities because she comes from them.

‘Her vision of a stronger United Nations emphasizes effective multilateralism, institutional reform, preventive diplomacy, development financing and greater responsiveness to developing countries. These are not peripheral issues. They are central to whether the United Nations can remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.

‘Her candidacy should therefore provide a natural point of convergence for the Global South.

For CARICOM, the case is especially compelling. The Caribbean has contributed enormously to international diplomacy while never having produced a United Nations Secretary-General. ‘

Figueira said small states understand perhaps better than most that international law and multilateral institutions are not abstract concepts and that ‘they are essential safeguards in a world where economic and military power remain profoundly unequal.

‘For Latin America and South America, supporting Rodrigues-Birkett would strengthen the hemisphere’s opportunity to provide consequential leadership at a moment when the international system requires bridge-builders rather than greater polarization.

‘Africa, too, should see in her candidacy a partner who understands many of the developmental challenges shared across the Global South and who appreciates the legitimate demand for a more equitable international order and the need for a permanent seat on the security council.’

Figueira said that there is also profound symbolism in her candidacy.

‘An Indigenous woman from a small Caribbean and South American developing country standing within reach of becoming Secretary-General represents something powerful about what the United Nations ought to embody: that geography, gender, ethnicity and the size or wealth of one’s country should never determine the limits of human possibility.’

Trinidad and Tobago Monday celebrated its 64th anniversary of political independence from Britain with contrasting statements from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles.

In her congratulatory message, Persad-Bissessar, the firat woman ever to lead a government in Trinidad and Tobago said that the population should stop blaming its problems on its colonial past arguing that after 64 years, the country should not avoid taking responsibility for its current challenges.

‘It’s time we grow up and stop blaming our problems on our colonial past to escape accepting responsibility for bad decisions we made post Independence that have resulted in negative consequences for ourselves and our nation,’ she said.

Persad-Bissessar said the country needed to confront ‘our post-Independence history with honesty and acknowledge that we should have done much better over the past 64 years’ noting that Trinidad and Tobago had entered Independence in 1962 with a strong economic and institutional foundation inherited from Britain.

She pointed to the country’s per capita income at the time, saying it was higher than that of several countries, including Japan, Chile, Greece, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Portugal, Mexico, Turkey, Iraq, Brazil, Malaysia, Iran, Morocco, Taiwan and China.

‘Almost all of these countries have now superseded us,’ she said, adding that when the twin island gained its independence, it had also inherited a well-organised legal and governance structure, an advanced oil exploration and refining industry, an expansive agricultural sector and a developed railway system.

‘The fact is that the British left us a very prosperous functioning country in 1962,’ Persad-Bissessar said.

But Beckles, who is the first woman to head the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said Persad-Bissessar is ‘divorced from history’ and was attempting to ‘rewrite the history of our nation.

‘Trinidad and Tobago’s journey to Independence, and our development thereafter, cannot be reduced to a politically convenient version of history that serves whichever audience she is addressing.

‘The Prime Minister is wrong to present our colonial inheritance without acknowledging the profound inequalities and social conditions that existed at Independence. Equally, she is wrong to recast our post-Independence history as a partisan struggle,’ Beckles said in her independence message.

‘Our history is more substantial than that, and our nation deserves better. It is therefore no surprise that a Prime Minister who appears unwilling to properly acknowledge the historical place of Dr. Eric Williams as the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago would now offer such a distorted account of the history of our Independence.

‘A Prime Minister who cannot speak honestly about our history cannot credibly lead the nation forward,’ Beckles said, condemning also the ‘insensitive’ statement by Persad-Bissessar to supporters of her ruling United National Congress (UNC) that ‘they do not crawl on your belly for anyone. It’s either peace or total war, nothing in between’.

Persad-Bissessar said that the party’s membership ‘was born of people mired in poverty who, at times, survived on salt and rice, while drinking water from ponds and springs. Sometimes eating one meal a day to make the sacrifices needed to educate us in cowsheds and church annexes.

‘They fetched water in box carts and bull carts, used flambeaus for light, had no healthcare, possessed one outfit of clothes for going out, and usually had to walk or ride a bicycle for miles in the sun or rain to reach any government service. They were objects of ridicule and hatred in this country for years under the PNM, post-1962 Independence.

‘We must keep working for our sons and daughters to qualify themselves to have better lives than ours. We must never stop learning, working and improving. You must strive to be owners and entrepreneurs, not simply satisfied with being workers or living on state welfare,’ said Persad-Bissessar, who has led the UNC since January 2010.

Beckles said she was taking the opportunity to condemn both independence addresses by the prime minister ‘as insensitive, divorced from reality, and devoid of any distinction between party politics and the responsibilities of national leadership.

On the occasion of our 64th Independence anniversary, the Prime Minister chose to address the UNC before addressing the nation, using a moment that belongs to all citizens to promote a partisan narrative of grievance and division. That is not the conduct of a Prime Minister seeking to unite a country’.

She said Trinidad and Tobago’s journey to Independence, ‘and our development thereafter, cannot be reduced to a politically convenient version of history that serves whichever audience she is addressing’.

Guyana’s two main opposition parties have failed to reach agreement on a number of issues following a first round of talks here nearly one week ago, according to a joint statement issued here.

The two parties met on August 24.

Opposition Leader and head of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) led a delegation that held talks with officials from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), headed by Aubrey Norton and, who is also the leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) ‘to discuss matters of mutual concern and the prospects for greater political cooperation in the interest of the people of Guyana’.

But according to the joint statement the genesis of the meeting was the matters in letters being traded between the parties, namely those relating to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), including the appointment of Commissioners and the issue of electoral scrutineers as well as the ongoing impasse affecting the functioning of the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council and the nominations to the Local Government Commission.

‘The meeting was cordial and provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on developing general and specific guidelines to govern the engagement between the parties.’

The joint statement noted that the ‘parties committed that, in the case of WIN, they will hold consultations with their leadership/membership before they decide whether they would agree to name a three-member team to work along with a three-member team from APNU to develop the general and specific guidelines to govern their engagement with APNU.

‘In APNU’s case, it will consult with other parties in its coalition to select a three-member team,’ the statement said, adding ‘no final decisions were taken on the substantive matters discussed at the meeting’.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has been flown overseas to an undisclosed destination for medical treatment after being hospitalised on Sunday, acting Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley said in a nationwide broadcast on Monday night.

A government statement had earlier indicated that the 49-year-old Prime Minister had become ‘ ill and was admitted to the Joseph N. France General Hospital on the evening of Sunday, August 30, 2026’ and that he remains in stable condition. ‘I wish to reassure every clinician and division, our Prime Minister is in good spirits. His leadership team remains unified and focused, and the business of the government and the nation continues without interruption,’ Hanley said, noting that he had held discussions with the prime minister.

‘Across our islands, in our homes, workplaces, communities, and throughout our diaspora, I know that news regarding the health of our head of government naturally brings about a sense of deep concern, care, and curiosity. It is for this reason that I step forward this evening to provide you with a direct, transparent, and measured update.’

He said that prior to his departure, Prime Minister Drew summoned and spoke directly with members of the Cabinet and ‘I am pleased to share with you that it was a very cheerful exchange. He was upbeat, alert, and expressed his continued dedication to the work of the people’.

While he did not disclose the destination of Prime Minister Drew, himself a medical practitioner, the acting Prime Minister said that he ‘has travelled abroad to meet with an awaiting team of medical specialists.

‘Upon his arrival, he will be seen and evaluated immediately by these physicians. To ensure the highest standard and continuity of care, these specialists are working in direct liaison with his local medical team right here in St. Kitts and Nevis.

‘Together, they will conduct a thorough medical assessment and establish a tailored remedy of care to address whatever health issues have arisen. Out of an abundance of caution and under medical guidance, the Prime Minister will be taking a brief leave of absence to dedicate the necessary time to his recovery. We want to be entirely clear with the nation.’

The acting Prime Minister said that until the government receives ‘the complete formal report from his medical team abroad, we do not wish to engage in speculation, nor should anyone in our communities.

‘We remain grounded in the facts, transparency, and patience. We anticipate that by 9.30 pm (local time) tonight, the Cabinet Secretariat will issue a follow-up update detailing his arrival, his admittance to the medical facility, and the initial assessment from his attending physicians.’

Hanley said that the government will ensure that ‘the citizens and residents whom he serves, remain fully updated every step of the way’ adding that during the discussions with Prime MInister Drew he made ‘one request very clear to myself and the entire Cabinet. Business in St. Kitts and Nevis must be conducted as normal.

‘In fact, he has explicitly instructed that there be no major disruption to the social, civic, or economic activity of our nation. The machinery of the state will remain robust, stable, and fully functional.’

Hanley said that as Deputy Prime Minister, he has assumed responsibility for the daily operations of the executive, adding ‘we are fully focused on keeping our national development agenda moving forward without hesitation or delay’.

He said that in times like these, ‘the true character of our people shines brightest’ and Prime Minister Drew and his wife ‘also convey their deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out.

‘The overpouring of love, prayers, and well-wishes across social media, via WhatsApp, telephone calls, and personal messages has been overwhelming and deeply moving.

‘Furthermore, on behalf of the government, we have already reached out to our regional and international colleagues, partner governments, and diplomatic allies to keep them updated on these developments. We deeply value the message of solidarity and support that has already begun pouring in from around the Caribbean and across the globe.’

He urged citizens not to engage in ‘rumour or unnecessary alarm,’ saying ‘instead, let us channel our energy into remaining productive, looking out for one another, and keeping our leader lifted up in prayer and positive thoughts.

‘We are a nation built on resilience, faith, and unity. The foundation of our democracy is strong, and our commitment to the advancement of St. Kitts and Nevis remains unshakeable. May God bless our Prime Minister with a swift and complete recovery,’ Hanley added.

The Guyana-based Caribbean Community ( CARICOM) Secretariat says it has started a series of national consultations aimed at advancing endorsement of the draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy and its accompanying Resource Mobilisation and Implementation Strategy (RMIS).

It said that the consultations bring together a broad cross-section of national stakeholders, including representatives from environment, finance, economic development, tourism, agriculture, fisheries and marine sectors, biodiversity focal points and other key stakeholders. The engagements will review the updated Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy, validate its priorities, and identify practical approaches for biodiversity implementation, financing, monitoring, reporting, and strengthened regional collaboration.

The consultations so far have highlighted the importance of aligning regional initiatives with national priorities while building synergies with ongoing programmes.

The Senior Project Officer, Sustainable Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Teshia JnBaptiste, emphasized the importance of engagement with stakeholders to shape the final outcome.

‘The Draft CARICOM Biodiversity Strategy is intended to complement, not replace, national biodiversity strategies and action plans. It seeks to provide a regional framework through which member states can address common challenges, leverage partnerships, mobilise resources and advance biodiversity objectives that are often best addressed through collective regional action,’ Jn Baptiste said.

The Secretariat said that the accompanying Resource Mobilisation and Implementation Strategy is being developed to support implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy by identifying financing opportunities, strengthening regional coordination, and enhancing technical cooperation. It is expected to guide regional biodiversity investments through 2030 and beyond.

The consultations are being conducted with support from the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the main development agency of Germany, through the Promotion of Regionally Harmonised Approaches to the Protection and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in CARICOM member states (CARIBIO) project.

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Scheddule for Monday, August 31, 2026.

PORT OF SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago is ceebrating its 64th anniversary of Republicanism on Monday with Police Commissioner, Allister Guevarro, telling cittizens the threats to disrupt the celebrations are low and that they should not worry about the series of bomb threats made over the past few days.

GEORGETOWN – A former opposition legislator is throwing his support behind Guyana’s Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, as the Caribbean’s candidate for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations.

ST. GEORGE’S – The Grenada government says schools will re-open on Monday saying it had take note of a public notice issued by the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) concerning the commencement of the 2026-2027 academic year.

ST. JOHN’S – Prime Minister Gaston Browne has acknowledged that the ongoing war between the United States and Iran is having an impact on energy prices on the global market as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to increase fuel prices this week.

KINGSTOWN – Opposition leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has described as ‘laughable’ an announcement by the ruling New Democratic Party (NDP) supporting the government’s decision to sell approximately 100 acres of land at Chatham Bay, Union Island, for approximately EC$54 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents).

SPORTS:

PORT OF SPAIN – Defending champions, Trinbago Knight Riders face do or die game against Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) at the Queen’s Park Oval on Monday night.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has been advised that he be ‘transported abroad for specialised observation and precautionary monitoring’ after he was admitted to the Joseph N. France (JNF) General Hospital on Sunday night.

A government statement said ‘arrangements are currently underway to facilitate this transport’.

It said that Prime Minister Drew, 49, a medical practitioner, who has been in office since August 2022, was brought to the hospital on Sunday evening ‘following symptoms of mild discomfort, nausea and headache’

The statement said he was ‘immediately admitted for observation and thorough clinical evaluation.

‘The medical team and specialists at JNF General Hospital have attended to the Prime Minister continuously over the last 18 hours. Following comprehensive analysis and diagnostic reviews, his treating physicians are satisfied with his overall condition, confirming that he remains awake, alert, and in stable condition.’

The statement said that ‘out of an abundance of caution and based on the medical team’s observations since his admission, the full medical team has advised that Prime Minister Drew be transported abroad for specialised observation and precautionary monitoring’

The statement said that Cabinet and the government ‘request that the nation keep Prime Minister Drew in their prayers for a swift and full recovery,’ adding that ‘the public is reassured that the business of government continues seamlessly and without interruption.

‘A further update on the Prime Minister’s status will be issued to the nation at 7:00 pm (loccal time) today,’ the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules in a statement said he was ‘deeply concerned’ at the illness of Prime Minister Drew, saying that ‘ our thoughts and prayers are with him at this time.

‘We pray for God’s healing hand upon him and for wisdom and strength for the medical team caring for him. May Prime Minister Drew enjoy a swift and full recovery and return soon to good health and service.’

St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the nine-member sub-regional OECS groupi

Opposition leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has described as ‘laughable’ an announcement by the ruling New Democratic Party (NDP) its support for the government’s decision to sell approximately 100 acres of land at Chatham Bay, Union Island, for approximately EC$54 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents).

The NDC in a statement over the weekend said that the sale is being done under an agreement designed to protect the area’s biodiversity while strengthening the country’s fiscal position.

‘The lands are to be held by a company for conservation purposes, with binding covenants included in the sale agreement to ensure that the natural environment and biodiversity of the area are protected,’ the ruling party said. But Gonsalves noted that 15 years ago when the land was evaluated as a result of approaches made by foreign investors, it was valued at approximately ‘US$42 million or thereabouts and that’s over EC$110 million.

‘That’s over 15 years ago and then that arrangement didn’t go through because some of the investors in respect of the resort went elsewhere,’ he said, noting that another person wanted to purchase the land in order to preserve it as a national park.

‘I told him simply that we will not sell that as a national park. We want it for investments. In fact, the initial inland holding licence which had been given to that property under the James Mitchell administration was for a small hotel development with a restaurant. Not a big investment of the type which we were envisaging with the French, Belgian and Indian (investors).

‘But this gentleman…he is a citizen of St. Vincent…and I told him, no, we couldn’t sell him the land to keep it as a park. I told him that it’s 100 acres of prime land, it’s our crown jewel and I just couldn’t do that.

‘We have to do it for the purpose of hotel development, resort development, so we can employ jobs, employ people and we can generate a lot of revenue and be a big boost for Union Island and the Southern Grenadines. I said we can have part of the land which we can use for conservation and environmental purposes, but the bulk of it would have to be involved in genuine resort development. He wasn’t interested in that,’ Gonsalves added.

In its statement supporting the Godwin Friday’s decision to sell the land, the NDP said that Chatham Bay is located near important forest reserves, including Water Rock Reserve, Large Forest Reserve, Colin Campbell Reserve and Jack O’Dan Reserve.

‘These areas are of significant ecological importance and are associated with the habitat of the endangered Union Island Gecko, a species found only in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and will receive strengthened protection in coming months. ‘

The ruling party said that it also understands that the decision to proceed with the sale forms part of the government’s wider effort to reduce the heavy debt burden left by the previous Gonsaves’led administration, ‘whose years of fiscal mismanagement contributed to the country’s debt reaching approximately 113 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

‘This level of indebtedness has placed serious pressure on the State’s ability to fund critical needs, including healthcare, national development programmes and public-sector reform,’ the party said, quoting Prime Minister Friday as stating that ‘proceeds from the sale will be directed towards clearly identified national priorities’.

It said this include contributing to the capitalisation of the National Development Bank, supporting the new Ministry of Fisheries, Land and Sea Conservation and Climate Resilience, and funding debt-reduction measures and initiatives aimed at improving Government efficiency.

The NDP said that in addition, ‘and most importantly the sale includes a significant safeguard for the public interest’ adding that ‘under the agreement, the Government retains the option to repurchase the lands within two years at the same price for which it was sold’.

It said Prime Minister Friday said the transaction reflects the government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management, environmental protection and transparency.

‘This transaction reflects responsible Government: protecting our natural heritage, reducing debt, and investing in the future of our people. The public interest is protected through conservation covenants,’ the Prime Minister said.

The NDP recalled that several years ago, the lands were reacquired by the Gonsalves government after a private investor failed to develop the property for a proposed tourism project.

‘The land was brought back into Government ownership at a compensation value of less than EC$700,000. The current transaction therefore represents a substantial capital gain to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while placing conservation at the centre of the land’s future use.

‘The NDP supports the Government’s commitment to transparency, responsible land management and the protection of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ natural heritage. ‘

But Gonsalves said the statement by the NDP is ‘laughable’ recalling that prior to his Unity Labour Party (ULP) coming into office in 2001, the then ruling NDP had given an American investors a landholding licence in relation to the land.

‘The purchase, imagine the purchase price at the time from the vendor, was under $200,000. It was obviously sold at a price way below market value…and as I said in the court case, for them to save on stamp duty, I don’t know how any government could have allowed that to have happened.’

But Gonsalves said that the investors breached the Alien Landholding licence because for 15 or so years, ‘they did absolutely nothing’.

Gonsalves said on coming into office he directed the the Attorney General’s office ‘to go for forfeiture under the 1922 legislation’ being successful at both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

He said just before the matter went to the London-based Privy Council, which is the country’s highest and final court, ‘they threw in their towel as I expected.

‘But I told them all along that I will pay them the price, which they paid for it on the face of their deed, plus five per cent interest, which is what I did…. They wanted more,’ he said, after valuing the property at $20 million’.

But Gonsalves said that the government paid less than $700,000 ‘because…we had two judgments behind us and I said, ok, we’ll pay you what you paid out, plus five per cent interest, up to the date.’

He said the investors accepted the payment which is recounted in his book, recalling also how the United States government had sent an official here ‘to put pressure on me’

Gonsalves said that with regards to the government now indicating that after 20 years it had been able to sell the land for US$20 million is beyond belief.

‘Absolutely not, and not only would I not sell it for that,’ Gonsalves said, recalling where 30 something acres of land at Mount Wynn was sold for EC$40 million.

he Guyana Amazon Warriors crashed Trinidad and Tobago’s Independence Day celebrations at the Queen’s Park Oval, securing a thrilling 9-run victory over the Trinbago Knight Riders via the DLS method in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League on Monday night.

Shimron Hetmyer delivered a knock for the ages on his 100th CPL appearance, equalling the tournament’s record for the fastest ever century.

The explosive left-hander smashed an unbeaten 111 off just 43 deliveries, reaching his ton in a mere 40 balls after rain reduced the contest to 16 overs per side.

The contest was pitched as the ‘Curry Classic’ and it surely started spicy as the Knight Riders’ formidable PowerPlay attack immediately made their presence felt.

Akeal Hosein and debutant Lahiru Kumara dismissed Glenn Phillips (0) and Shai Hope (16) with only 19 runs on the board.

Before the PowerPlay could be completed, the heavens opened, forcing a lengthy delay with the Warriors languishing at 22 for 2.

Whatever was said during the rain break worked wonders for the Warriors’ batting unit. After a brief settling-in period, Hetmyer found his rhythm and quickly raced to a half-century off 27 balls.

While TKR’s spinners have been exceptional this season, their seamers continue to struggle, and the contrast was brutally exposed.

Poor debutant Kumara bore the brunt of Hetmyer’s fury, conceding 30 runs in the 13th over. Romario Shepherd joined the party, and the duo pillaged 85 runs in the final four overs to propel the Warriors to 185 for 5.

The DLS adjustment left TKR with a revised target of 182 and a vociferous home crowd behind them.

The hosts began positively, but Sunil Narine fell to a spectacular one-handed grab on the boundary from Glenn Phillips that even surprised the fielder himself.

Colin Munro helped himself to four fours, but he too followed shortly after, dismissed by Mohammad Nabi for 22.

Nicholas Pooran injected much-needed momentum with a blistering 43 from 16 balls, which included seven boundaries, four of which were maximums.

However, Nabi struck again when Pooran found Quentin Sampson’s hands at cover point, triggering a collapse.

Jyd Goolie (0), Justin Greaves (1), and Akeal Hosein (18) all fell, as the required run rate climbed steeply.

Alex Hales kept faint hopes alive with a magnificent 55 from 24 balls, smashing seven sixes before Shamar Joseph shattered his stumps.

With 24 runs needed from the final over, Shepherd held his nerve to guide the Warriors to victory, extending their unbeaten run in the tournament and full speed ahead towards the play-offs.

Police have charged another person in connection with the death of 16-year old Jerbiah Paul, whose decomposing body was found earlier this month in a village north of here by members of the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS) after she had been reported missing since July 24.

Police said that Jolie-Ana Naomi James of Lagoon Portsmouth, north of here, had been arrested and formally charged with the offense of ‘perverting the course of justice and possession of ammunition without being the holder of a valid ammunition’s license.’

When she appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Monday, James elected to have a summary trial in the ammunition charge and pleaded not guilty. The matter has been adjourned to November 2, 2026.

On the indictable matter of perverting the course of justice by giving a false statement to the police about her alibi she was not required to enter a plea as this matter is to be tried by a Judge and jury. That matter was adjourned to November 10, 2026

Attorney Wayne Norde told the court that he intends to file a bail application hearing and needed witness statement, interviews and the investigating officers in both matters. The bail application has been set for Friday, September 4, 2026.

So far, the police have already charged police officers, Jean-Luc Langlais and Joshua Hamlet with murder, while another officer, Rennick Stevens, has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

Nyoka James, 21, was also slapped with a similar charge of perverting the course of justice.

They will all return to court on October 2, this year.