Category: CANA News

Jamaica is marking National Heroes Day on Monday with the country’s two main political leaders paying tribute to those who have paved the way for the country to be recognised both at home and abroad.

In addition, the day provides an opportunity for 141 Jamaicans to receive national awards as the 2025 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards will be held on the lawns of King’s House, the official residence of the Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, who acting as chancellor of the orders, confers these honours on the advice of the prime minister.

Among the awardees announced for 2025 are three individuals who will be appointed to the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the fourth-highest honour in the land.

Group chief executive officer of JMMB Group and recently appointed Government Senator Keith Duncan has been recognised for his exceptional service in finance, business, and social development.

The long-serving Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, is being honoured for more than four decades of public service, while Marlene Street Forrest, the former managing director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), is being celebrated for her leadership in transforming the JSE into one of the world’s top-performing exchanges.

In his message Prime Minister Andrew Holness said National Heroes Day should serve as a reminder of ‘Jamaica’s ‘story written in courage and conviction’, describing the country’s heroes as the ’embodiment of courage, faith, intellect, sacrifice, and love of country.

‘Our heritage is not something locked away in the pages of history. It is a living call, a charge to each of us to carry forward the values of discipline, hard work, respect, and love for one another. Our forebears fought so that we could live purposefully, and we must guard our freedom with great vigilance and commitment.

‘If we are to honour the legacy of our heroes, we must return to the principles that made us who we are: respect for law, reverence for God, and pride in honest work,’ Holness said as he linked those values to national progress, acknowledging also that true nation-building rests in character and citizens

‘But the greatest work lies not in the infrastructure we build, but in our character. It lies in teaching our youth that patriotism is a lifestyle; that to love Jamaica is to serve her with excellence, to protect her from harm, and to lift her name with pride wherever we go.’

Holness also extended his definition of heroism beyond history’s great figures, saluting everyday Jamaicans who serve with integrity – from teachers and nurses to farmers and security personnel – calling them ‘the continuation of that proud and bold heritage’.

But as he has done in years gone by, Opposition Leader Mark Golding again called for cultural icons Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley and Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou) to be recognised as National Heroes.

He said that their music, poetry, and advocacy for Jamaican identity had inspired generations both locally and abroad.

Golding, whose People’s National Party (PNP) lost the September 3 general election for a third consecutive time to the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), described the voters as ‘modern examples of heroism’, no doubt in reference to the party’s improved showing at the polls.

He said Jamaicans had exercised their right to vote ‘without indulging in the malignant influence of money or other corrupt influences.

‘In exercising your choice based on your belief and conscience, you embraced the very ideals that our national heroes fought to secure. Your honest participation demonstrated your commitment to shaping Jamaica’s future and reaffirmed that the spirit of our ancestors endures in our people,’ he said.

But Golding is worried over the recent rise in violence and suicides impacting the island.

‘In the face of these challenges, let us choose empathy over anger, unity over division, and hope over despair. Let us stand together as one people, united in purpose, bound together in our love for our country, and determined to build a Jamaica where peace, equality, and opportunity become realities for all,’ Golding said.

West Indies captain Shai Hope was his usual diplomatic self; however, he had a few words following his team’s 74-run defeat in the first ODI against Bangladesh on Saturday, aiming at the challenging playing surface at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

The match was played on a notably dark-coloured pitch, a characteristic in the subcontinent that often indicates a slow, gripping surface tailor-made for spinners.

This theory proved accurate, as slow bowlers dominated the game, accounting for 11 of the 20 wickets to fall.

The chief destroyer was Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain, who ripped through the West Indies batting lineup with career-best figures of 6 for 35.

His performance made him only the second leg-spinner in ODI history to take the opposition’s first five wickets.

Reflecting on the difficult conditions, Captain Hope admitted his batters struggled to find answers. ‘We definitely found it difficult in the middle. That’s just reality,’ Hope stated. ‘So we need to take the learnings from this game and find ways as batters to not let them settle. Maybe be a little bit more positive and try to take them off their lengths a bit more.’

The nature of the pitch has raised questions about what to expect for the second ODI, a common tactical consideration in cricket where home teams often leverage local conditions to their advantage.

Hope emphasised the need for his side to be adaptable, regardless of the surface prepared.

‘We never know what we’re going to get. You still have to assess and adapt when the bell rings next game. But if we do have something similar, then we’d have an understanding from this first game. So it can play into our minds a little bit better.’

Ultimately, the West Indies skipper stressed a forward-looking approach, urging his team to focus on the game, not the pitch.

‘We’ve got to play what we see in front of us and not focus too much on the surface. We’ve just got to put this game behind us and then come a lot stronger for the second one.’

The 2025 CG United Super50 Cup is set for a major overhaul, with Cricket West Indies (CWI) announcing a streamlined, high-stakes tournament to be hosted in Trinidad from November 19-29.

In response to financial headwinds, the region’s premier 50-over competition will shift from its traditional 31-match format to an intense, eleven-day sprint.

The six established regional franchises will battle in a condensed round-robin, with the top two teams advancing directly to the Final on Saturday, November 29.

The competing teams are: Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Barbados Pride, Guyana Harpy Eagles, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricane and the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

Notably absent this year are the West Indies Academy and Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC), a move CWI believes will concentrate talent and heighten competition within the core franchises.

Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, framed the changes as a strategic step towards a stronger future.

‘This reformed format allows us to maintain a high standard of competition while also refocusing our resources on building a stronger, more sustainable development pathway,’ Bascombe stated.

He emphasised that the new structure demands immediate excellence. ‘The reduction in matches means teams must now be more deliberate and strategic, ensuring they hit the ground running from the very first game.’

Bascombe also addressed the excluded teams, suggesting their players must now push for selection within the six main franchises. ‘This added competition for places should raise the overall standard of play and sharpen the focus of every player involved.’

With a significant prize purse on the line, the rivalry promises to be fierce. The champion will claim US$100,000, while the runner-up earns US$50,000. Teams finishing third and fourth will each receive US$25,000, adding financial incentive to every match.

The full fixture schedule is set to be released in the coming days.

Trinidad and Tobago Sunday reiterated its position why it is standing apart from its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) neighbours in declining to back a regional position on key security and regional stability issues, including the growing presence of the United States military in the region.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said the Kamla Persad Bissessar-led government ‘wishes to once more, categorially express its strong support for the on-going military intervention of the United States of America in the region. ‘These operations aimed at combatting narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime are ultimately aimed at allowing the region to be a true ‘Zone of Peace’ where all citizens can in reality, live and work in a safe environment,’ the statement said.

On Saturday, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that CARICOM leaders had met to discuss several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states.

It said that the position at that meeting was not endorsed by the government of the twin-island republic.

The meeting follows a series of deadly strikes by the Donald Trump administration targeting suspected drug-trafficking vessels off the Venezuelan coast, the latest of which reportedly claimed the lives of two Trinidad and Tobago nationals.

‘Save in respect of Trinidad and Tobago who reserved its position, Heads agreed on the following: They reaffirmed the principle of maintaining the Caribbean Region as a Zone of Peace and the importance of dialogue and engagement towards the peaceful resolution of disputes and conflict. ‘CARICOM remains willing to assist towards that objective,’ the CARICOM statement read.

The regional leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to tackling narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, which continue to pose major threats to regional stability. They stressed that such challenges must be addressed through ongoing international cooperation and in keeping with international law.

Additionally, CARICOM leaders reiterated their continued commitment to fighting narcotrafficking and the illegal trade in small arms and light weapons, which adversely affect the region. They further underscored that efforts to overcome these challenges should be through ongoing international cooperation and within international law.

On Sunday, the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that his country had conducted a strike Friday on a boat that American intelligence officials believed was involved in illegal drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

Hegseth wrote in a post on X that the vessel was affiliated with a Colombian terrorist organization and had ‘substantial amounts of narcotics’ on board. He said the three men on the boat were all killed and no US forces were harmed.

In its statement on Sunday, Port of Spain said that the Trinidad and Tobago government ‘affirms that these operations are not meant to target law abiding persons, specifically fisherfolk and other seafaring individuals seeking to earn an honest living.

‘Alternatively, all persons who may seek to engage in, or indirectly support, any illegal activities in the region, are warned that should they be so inclined, they do so at their own peril.

‘The Government of Trinidad and Tobago reiterates its commitment to the people of the Caribbean for the creation of a safer, stronger and more prosperous region,’ the statement added.

Prime Minister Persad Bissessar has publicly praised the US campaign, saying she was happy that the US naval deployment ‘is having success in its mission.

‘The slaughter of our people is fuelled by evil cartel traffickers. The pain and suffering the cartels have inflicted on our nation is immense. I have no sympathy for traffickers; the US military should kill them all violently,’ she said in a statement last month.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader, Pennelope Beckles is condemning the ‘continued absence and silence’ of Prime Minister Persad Bissessar on ‘critical national and international matters of urgent importance to the people of Trinidad and Tobago’

In a statement, the leader of the main opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) said the prime minister has been silent ‘ the face of . a regional security build-up that directly impacts our sovereignty’.

She said Persad Bissessar has chosen ‘retreat over responsibility’ and that her refusal to address the nation or to participate in the recently concluded 2026 National Budget Debate ‘is a betrayal of the office she holds and the people she serves’.

Beckles said that the national community has taken note that Prime Minister Persad Bissessar has also ‘refused to answer questions on national security, instead shamefully redirecting the media to the United States for comment’ and that she ‘has allowed Trinidad and Tobago to stand alone in CARICOM, ‘reserving its position’ on the region’s collective statement on peace, sovereignty, and territorial integrity’.

Beckles said that the statement by CARICOM leaders on Saturday was explicit in naming Trinidad and Tobago in not adopting the regional position, adding ‘.this diplomatic isolation raises serious questions about the government’s foreign policy direction and the Prime Minister’s understanding of regional security concerns.

‘The nation deserves to know why Trinidad and Tobago refused to stand with its Caribbean partners in affirming the region as a Zone of Peace,’ Beckles said, adding that the Opposition therefore calls upon the Prime Minister to ‘immediately address the nation on the state of the economy, national security, and Trinidad and Tobago’s regional position’.

She said that the prime minister should also ‘explain the decision to ‘reserve’ Trinidad and Tobago’s stance at CARICOM.

‘The continued absence of the Prime Minister from national discourse is a dereliction of duty and a disgrace to the high office she occupies. The people of Trinidad and Tobago deserve better, honesty, transparency, accountability, and leadership with vision and courage,’ Beckles added.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Oct 19, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago Sunday reiterated its position why it is standing apart from its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) neighbours in declining to back a regional position on key security and regional stability issues, including the growing presence of the United States military in the region.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs said the Kamla Persad Bissessar-led government ‘wishes to once more, categorially express its strong support for the on-going military intervention of the United States of America in the region.

‘These operations aimed at combatting narco and human trafficking and other forms of transnational crime are ultimately aimed at allowing the region to be a true ‘Zone of Peace’ where all citizens can in reality, live and work in a safe environment,’ the statement said.

On Saturday, the Guyana-based CARICOM Secretariat said that CARICOM leaders had met to discuss several issues on the regional agenda, including the security build-up in parts of the Caribbean and its potential impact on member states.

It said that the position at that meeting was not endorsed by the government of the twin-island republic.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct. 19, CMC – Several parishes were on Sunday afternoon, rocked by an earthquake with a magnitude 4.2 on the Richter scale

The Earthquake Unit at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, said the epicentre was located eight kilometres south of Buff Bay, in the eastern parish of Portland.

There were reports of the tremor being felt across the Corporate Area, in the eastern parish of St Thomas and the central parish of St Catherine.

There were no reports of damage or injuries.

A new jewellery collection celebrating Olympic champion Julien Alfred has been unveiled, with proceeds set to support her charitable foundation.

The ‘Julien Alfred Legacy Collection,’ created by Fearless Jewellery founder Eleanor Prospere, was officially launched at a fundraising event for the Julien Alfred Foundation on October 11. The foundation aims to support the development of young athletes in Saint Lucia.

Inspired by Alfred’s gold medal-winning 100m performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the collection features a unisex bracelet, earrings, and necklaces.

The designs are built around the Olympic medal’s shape and incorporate symbols of Saint Lucian national pride, including the flag and the national flower.

‘For Saint Lucia, her win was a game-changer. She has put us on the map,’ Prospere told the St. Lucia Times. ‘I wanted to create a piece of jewellery so everyone could share in her victory.’

After gaining approval from Alfred and her manager, Prospere financed and produced the collection herself. The launch coincides with the establishment of the athlete’s foundation, ensuring her legacy fuels the next generation of sporting talent.

DHAKA, Bangladesh, Oct 19, CMC – In a direct response to the spin-friendly conditions on display in the series opener, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reinforced their ODI squad by adding left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed for the remainder of the home series against the West Indies.

Nasum Ahmed has taken 16 wickets in 18 ODIs so far. © Getty

The decision, announced on Sunday, comes a day after spinners from both teams dominated proceedings on a slow, turning track at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS) in Mirpur.

The 30-year-old Nasum, with 16 wickets in his 18 ODI appearances, brings a wealth of experience. His last 50-over outing for the Tigers was in December 2024.

His inclusion provides the team management with another specialised spin option as they look to capitalise on the home conditions.

The pivotal role of spin in the first match was undeniable. West Indies’ left-arm spinner Khary Pierre was remarkably economical, finishing with figures of 1 for 19 from his full quota of 10 overs.

However, it was the Bangladeshi tweakers who ultimately stole the show, with Rishad Hossain and Tanvir Islam orchestrating the visitors’ collapse by sharing eight wickets between them to seal a comprehensive victory.

With Bangladesh taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, the move to draft in Nasum appears to be a strategic masterstroke aimed at maintaining their advantage.

The pitch for the second ODI, scheduled for October 21 at the same venue, is expected to offer similar assistance to the slow bowlers. The third and final match will be played on October 23.

Updated Bangladesh ODI Squad: Mehidy Hassan Miraz (Captain), Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammed Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Shamim Hossain, Quazi Nurul Hasan Sohan, Rishad Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Mahmud, Nasum Ahmed.

West Indies won the toss and elected to field against Bangladesh in the opening One Day International here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.

WEST INDIES: Shai Hope (captain), Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Khary Pierre, Jayden Seales.

BANGLADESH: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (captain), Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman.

Umpires: Gazi Sohel, Jayaraman Madanagopal.

TV Umpire: Chris Gaffaney.

Reserve Umpire: Tanvir Ahmed.

Match Referee: Dean Cosker.

More than 140 creative submissions have been received from Antiguans and Barbudans at home and abroad for the CHOGM 2026 Logo Design Competition, marking an impressive show of national pride and talent.

The competition, launched in September by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, invited nationals to design the official logo for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 – a historic event that Antigua and Barbuda will host for the first time.

The strong participation from the diaspora highlights the shared excitement and unity of Antiguans and Barbudans as the nation gears up to welcome global leaders next year. Each entry captured the spirit, identity, and vibrancy of Antigua and Barbuda, showcasing the creativity that defines the nation’s people.

‘The response has been phenomenal,’ said H.E Dr Clarence Pilgrim, Chair of the CHOGM 2026 Taskforce. ‘It’s clear that Antiguans and Barbudans, wherever they are in the world, want to play a part in shaping how our nation is represented on the global stage.’

A winner will be announced as part of the official launch of CHOGM 2026 scheduled for 4th November 2026, following the judges’ review process. The selected design will become the official global logo of CHOGM 2026, featured across event branding, signage, and international communications. The winner will also receive a grand prize of EC$5,000 and national recognition during CHOGM 2026.

The Government extends heartfelt thanks to all who participated and celebrates the exceptional talent displayed by Antiguans and Barbudans around the world.