Category: CANA News

The St. Kitts and Nevis Patrits defeated the Barbados Royals by 12 runs in the eighth match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here at Warner Park on Thursday.

SCORES:

PATRIOTS 174-8 in 20 overs (Kyle Mayers 42, Jason Holder 38; Ramon Simmonds 3-26).

ROYALS 162 in 18.2 overs (Kadeem Allyene 42, Brandon King 22; Jason Holder 4-14).

Barbados were crowned champions of the CWI Rising Stars Under 17 2-Day Championship on Thursday, sealing the title with a dominant 10-wicket victory over the Windward Islands at Queen’s Park Oval in the final round.

The title was built on the back of a phenomenal bowling display by Justin Parris, whose match figures of 9 for 46 dismantled the Windwards and underscored Barbados’s superiority throughout the competition.

After skittling the Windwards for a paltry 91 in their first innings, thanks to Parris’s 5-15, Barbados posted a commanding 195 for 9 declared.

Despite a fight from Aravinda Bishop, who took 6-47 for the Windwards, the Bajan total proved more than enough.

Forced to follow on, the Windwards could only muster 131 in their second innings, with Parris again the chief destroyer, claiming 4-31.

Barbados needed just 6 overs to knock off the required 29 runs without losing a wicket, emphatically securing the championship.

The final round of matches saw a clean sweep of victories across the board. At the National Cricket Centre, hosts Trinidad and Tobago finally broke their duck, securing a convincing 10-wicket win over Jamaica.

The victory was set up by a magnificent 7-37 from Ra’ed Ali Khan in Jamaica’s first innings, which restricted them to 142. A solid batting response, led by Saleem Khan’s 68, gave T and T a crucial first-innings lead.

Roberto Badree then sealed the deal with 4-16 in the second innings, leaving T and T a simple target of 34, which they chased down effortlessly.

Meanwhile, at Inshan Ali Park, the Leeward Islands eased to an eight-wicket win over Guyana. Jathan Edward was the star with the ball, taking 4-34 in Guyana’s first innings and 3-29 in the second to keep the opposition’s totals low.

A composed, unbeaten 64 from Tanez Francis in the run chase guided the Leewards home comfortably.

With the two-day format concluded, attention now turns to the 50-Over Cup, which commences on August 24 and runs through to September 1.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the ninth match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here at North Sound on Friday.

TEAMS:

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons XI: Jewel Andrew (wk), Rahkeem Cornwall, Karima Gore, Bevon Jacobs, Shakib Al Hasan, Imad Wasim (capt), Fabian Allen, Shamar Springer, Obed McCoy, Jayden Seales, Usama Mir

Guyana Amazon Warriors XI: Ben McDermott, Kevlon Anderson, Shai Hope (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Moeen Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Romario Shepherd, Dwaine Pretorius, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Imran Tahir (capt)

Umpires: Chris Wright, Zahid Bassarath

TV Umpire: Carl Tuckett

Reserve Umpire: Leslie Reifer

Match Referee: Denavon Hayles

The Suriname government says persons who have been affected by land allocations in Reeberg, which is situated nearby to the village Koewarsan, will have their land allocation reinstated.

Land Policy and Forest Management Minister, Stanley Soeropawiro, told a meeting of affected residents that land will be reallocated, rolling back a decision by then former government.

Soeropawiro said that the decision also aligns with President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons’ vision, which prioritises transparency and good governance.

‘This decision does justice to the affected citizens.,’ he said, with some affected residents saying ‘after a long time, we can finally sleep soundly again’.

During a meeting with Soeropawiro on Tuesday, President Geerlings-Simons made it clear that there is no room for arbitrariness, saying ‘if it turns out that allocations have been made outside the correct procedures, they will be revoked’.

In Parliament, two legislators, Bronto Somohardjo and Ebu Jones, described the decision as ‘a victory for transparency and good governance,’ saying representatives have a duty to defend citizens’ rights and correct abuses.

The issue gained momentum this week after residents of Reeberg held a protest demonstration informing reporters of the wrongful land allocation.

During an exploratory working visit, members of the parliamentary committees, said they discovered that previously allocated land had been reallocated and that this was not a case of error, but rather bad faith.

‘Suriname’s land belongs to the people. This is the time to correct mistakes and establish a fair land system,’ Somohardjo said, adding the situation is therefore inevitable.

For his part, Jones said when land is deliberately allocated twice ‘it is not a mistake but an act against the interests of the people.’

The committees’ findings will soon be discussed in the National Assembly.

A brilliant all-round performance from captain Jason Holder propelled the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to a tense 12-run victory over the Barbados Royals in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League thriller here at Warner Park on Thursday.

In a match that ebbed and flowed, the Royals, chasing a target of 175, seemed well-placed at 92-3 at the halfway mark.

However, their innings unravelled in the face of a devastating bowling spell, led by their opposing skipper.

Holder was the undeniable architect of the win, first blasting a crucial 38 runs from just 21 balls to help the Patriots post a competitive 174-8.

He then turned the game with the ball, producing a scintillating spell of 4-14 that included two separate bursts of two wickets in two balls.

His clinical execution effectively broke the Royals’ chase, culminating in him trapping Jomel Warrican lbw in the 19th over to seal the result.

The Patriots’ innings was built on a solid foundation from Kyle Mayers, who top-scored with 42.

For the Royals, left-arm quick Ramon Simmonds was the standout bowler, claiming impressive figures of 3-26 from his four overs.

This victory, their second of the tournament, lifts the Patriots into second place on the table. More significantly, it marks a dramatic turnaround in their bowling fortunes.

After historically struggling to bowl teams out, a 50-inning drought without taking all ten wickets, Holder’s side has now achieved the feat twice in this year’s competition alone.

For the Royals, captained by Rovman Powell, who won the toss and elected to field, it is a second consecutive defeat as they continue their search for a first win in the 2025 CPL campaign.

The Jamaica-based JN Money Services has expanded its remittance services into 10 countries, including Gambia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Ghana and India, deepening its global reach and strengthening financial lifelines for more migrant families.

JN Money Services manager, Horace Hines, said the service has also bee extended to Honduras, Kenya, Philippines, Senegal and Uganda and that the decision to expand into these markets was driven by customer needs.

He said that the expansion is especially essential for the large number of migrants from these countries, so that they can contribute to the welfare of their families in their respective home countries.

Hines said JN Money is poised to strengthen its role as a trusted bridge between migrants and their families, even amid evolving policy challenges.

‘A significant number of migrants reside in the regions where JN Money operates, By expanding to these countries, we are creating a convenient, trusted and secure channel for customers to send funds back home to their loved ones.

‘This not only strengthens family connections but also supports financial stability in communities across borders. We want to ensure families have the reliable financial connections they need to support one another,’ he added.

Hines said that JN Money’s expansion is being powered through a partnership with MasterCard Transaction Services and that this collaboration allows customers to initiate transfers from JN Money locations in the United Kingdom (UK), the United States, Canada and the Cayman Islands, to their recipients, who are then able to access the funds through physical partner outlets.

He said also that while service in the new markets will remain consistent in respect of reliability and security, customer engagement will be tailored to match and resonate with the cultural nuances and market dynamics of each territory.

‘JN Money will maintain the same high level of service our customers know and trust, but we are also ensuring our communication resonates with each unique community,’ he said.

The expansion into the 10 additional territories brings JN Money’s remittance footprint to 18 countries, cementing its status as a top player in the sector and setting the stage for its continued strong financial performance year-over-year.

It follows on reports of JN Money’s ongoing efforts to also strengthen its presence in key diaspora markets, particularly the United States.

The company earlier this year opened a third branch in Florida, adding to the network of locations across Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania where the company already operates. JN Money also plans to enter additional states in 2025.

. ‘Our expansion has been carefully planned and guided by market research, customer needs and sustainable growth strategies. Our top priority is ensuring that migrants always have a secure and cost-effective way to send money to their loved ones,’ Hines said, noting that the company’s expansion is deliberate and strategic.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors posted 211 for 3 against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the ninth match of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League here at North Sound on Friday.

SCORES:

WARRIORS 211-3 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 82, Shimron Hetmyer 65 not out, Romario Shepherd 25 not out; Imad Wasim 1-20).

The Antigua and Barbuda parliament will meet on Monday to debate a proposal by the government to allow the National Social Security Scheme (NSSS) to invest in the Jolly Beach Hotel.

A statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting said that the minister continued discussions on the government’s plan to consolidate bond obligations owed to Social Security Scheme, explore strategies to leverage the Jolly Beach property as an investment vehicle, and advance a broader vision for the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.

‘Cabinet approved an immediate allocation of EC$20 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) to renovate 33 rooms at Jolly Beach Resort, construct a 500-person capacity conference facility, and upgrade the hotel’s sewage system, as well as its internet and communications infrastructure.

‘Upon completion of the renovations, the hotel’s total room count will increase to 351, with works expected to be finished in time for the next tourism season,’ the statement said.

Last month, the government defended its decision to transfer and redevelop the Jolly Beach Hotel as part of the efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of the NSSS

‘A sustainable pension system requires more than just savings accounts. It requires strategic asset allocation and proactive investment to meet future obligations,’ said Prime Minister Gaston Browne, noting the policy decision will not only enhance the NSSS’s revenue base but also restore a key national asset, create jobs, and boost tourism.

The government stated that the resort, situated on 27 acres of prime beachfront land, is valued at EC$67 million and will be utilized to settle part of an EC$330 million delinquent government bond owed to the Social Security Board.

The bond, issued in 2010 under a previous administration, has remained non-performing for over a decade, compromising the Scheme’s financial health and its ability to meet pension obligations.

‘This is more than a real estate transaction. It is a transformational move to repair past fiscal failures and to position our Social Security Scheme on a path of solvency and prosperity,’ Browne said.

In defending the decision of his administration, Prime Minister Browne said that the government’s multi-pronged investment strategy is designed to unlock revenue from both existing and new hospitality infrastructure.

Under the plan, 315 rooms will be sold under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI) through which foreign investors are entitled to citizenship of the country in return for making a substantial investment in its socio-economic development.

The statement said that Cabinet had also agreed to consolidate all arrears to the NSSS, inject approximately EC$75 million into the Jolly Beach Resort, and issue an EC$450 million bond over a five-year period, at three per cent initially and five per cent thereafter.

‘These measures aim to transform Jolly Beach Hotel into a major investment prospect for Social Security. Once fully renovated and expanded, the resort will be vested in the Social Security Board, turning a previously non-performing government obligation into a revenue-generating asset.’

The statement said that this strategy will provide NSSS with long-term capital appreciation, steady operational income and the ability to resell rooms under the CBI programme.

Government will also during Monday’s parliamentary session, consider amendments to the CBI legislation in response to concerns raised by the United States and the European Union.

The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) is warning that the decision by the United States to increase Trinidad and Tobago’s reciprocal tariff rate from 10 to 15, could result in the most severe, absolute impact upon any of the 15 member Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state.

‘Trinidad and Tobago was already the most exposed CARICOM economy under the reciprocal tariff regime,’ said CPSO chief executive officer and technical director, Dr. Patrick Antoine.

‘This adjustment not only increases the scale of potential losses, but it does so in sectors that are vital to our industrial capacity and to US manufacturers who rely on our exports for input,’ Antoine said, linking also the development to a broader erosion of CARICOM’s historic trade position with the US

‘In our recent submission to the US review of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), we highlighted that these new tariffs erode the preferential access that has underpinned our economic partnership with the US for decades. That erosion is now accelerating,’ he said.

Antoine said that the America First policy and the April imposition of reciprocal tariffs were the wake-up call for the region and that this latest adjustment to 15 per cent is the signal of the need for rapid, coordinated action to safeguard competitiveness. He said such action must be built on proven models of collaboration:

‘The joint regional and private sector position that secured exemptions for China-built ships and short- sea shipping for the

‘Now is the time to apply that same resolve, to protect current trade flows, engage the US on tariff differentials and position Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM for long-term strength in a more contested global market.’

The CPSO noted said that it is noteworthy that prior to the imposition of the April 9 tariff of 10 per cent, CARICOM member states benefitted from duty free access to the US market under the CBI.

It said the increased tariff rate of 15per cent, which took effect from August 7, comes just months after Trinidad and Tobago had been assigned the 10 per cent baseline rate which was introduced in April 2025 as part of the America First trade policy.

‘CPSO modelling now projects US$291.9 million in potential annual export revenue losses for Trinidad and Tobago, up from US$194.6 million under the 10 per cent baseline rate. This figure widens the gap between Trinidad and Tobago and other CARICOM member states in terms of the potential export losses to be incurred as a result of the US measure.’

CPSO said that over two-thirds of the estimated losses expected to be suffered by Trinidad and Tobago are concentrated in two sectors, namely base metals and articles (US$199.3 million) and chemicals (US$74.8 million).

The base metals category is largely comprised of various forms of iron and steel products which are widely used in the United States across construction, automotive and manufacturing industries.

The chemicals category includes products such as anhydrous ammonia, methanol and urea which are critical inputs for fertilizer production, plastics and other industrial processes. The CPSO said that together, these exports from Trinidad and Tobago anchor the country’s industrial capacity and also feed into US supply chains that rely on competitively priced raw materials.

‘While the magnitude of the potential revenue loss for the agriculture and food products sector (estimated at just over nine million US dollars) is not as large as the two sectors named above, the implications for agriculture and food products are far from benign.

‘This sector sustains small producers and rural livelihoods, ranging from fish products, which are an important export to US food markets, to prepared condiments, sauces and seasonings, which are supplied to both diaspora communities and the growing specialty food segments of the US market’

The CPSO said that for many of these micro and small exporters, the additional five per cent compounded onto the 10 per cent announced in April, will present an even greater challenge to their export competitiveness and to the foreign exchange earning potential of the Trinidad and Tobago economy.

The Public Service Union (PSU) says while it has agreed to an eight per cent salary increase for public servants over a three year period, there are two contentious matters, which have delayed the unions push for an agreement with the Dominica government for a salary increase.

PSU general secretary, Thomas Letang said while there was agreement on the eight per cent salary increase as well as on several other benefits, the union wants the government to consider some employees who have retired.

‘We had agreed to all the matters including salaries, except that we had one or two concerns. And one of the things we are concerned about is that there are people who in the service in 2021 and 2022. They have since retired but they did not beneft from the reclassification.and had the salary increase been paid for that period, they would have benefitted, but they did not.’

He said that the union has written to the government on the matter and that ‘a one-off payment should apply to them.

‘The government has responded not agreeing to that request from us,’ Letang said, adding that the union is also pushing for representation on the government housing loans board.

He said while the legislation governing the board ‘does not say the union must have some on the board, the practice in the past was always the union as well as the Police Welfare Association would have somebody representing those institutions.

‘So we wrote to government to that effect, we got a response but the response was not saying that the government negotiating team would take that to the government. We have since written stating that we are not in agreement with those positions.and as soon as we can finalise positions on those two issues we will be ready to sign some correspondence stating that we have agreed and we are ready to sign (collective agreement),’ Letang said.

Meanwhile, the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) says its members will receive an eight per cent salary increase over a three-year period following the conclusion of negotiations with the government.

‘In terms of salary increases, teachers like all other government employees, will receive an eight per cent salary increase for the biennial 2024-27. Three per cent for the year 2024-25, two per cent for 2025-26 and three per cent 2026-27, ‘ said DAT president Mervin Alexander.

He said among the other ‘significant’ benefits are that principals n government secondary schools will now be recognised as travelling officers and will receive a travelling allowance of EC$807 (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) monthly in addition to milage claim when travelling on school business.

He said the description ‘unqualified teachers’ will no longer be used as an established post for teachers and that some teachers will become established teachers effective September 1 this year.

‘There were many teachers engaged in a non-established capacity termed programme requirement for a number of years. Effective September1, all teachers previously under this programme will transition into established positions’.

He said with regards to the ‘lng awaited revision of the primary school structure, the government has agreed to embark upon a review and restructure of the primary schools by January 2026.

Alexander said that the government has also agreed to a pension for teachers who retired from the public service at age 60 until their 65th birthday and that if the Social Security payment is less than what is being offered by the government ‘the government has agreed to pay the difference to the officers.

Alexander said teachers who did not benefit following the reclassification exercise conducted in 2O23 could also receive a one-off payment of as much as 5O per cent of their salary.