Category: CANA News

The state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) Monday confirmed the immediate resignation of its chief executive officer Garvin Medera.

In a statement, the airline said that to ensure continuity and stability, chief operating officer, Nirmala Ramai, has been appointed acting chief executive officer ‘until further notice’ and that under the ‘guidance’ of the board of directors ‘will work closely with the senior leadership team to support the airline through this transition’.

The statement gave no reasons for the ‘immediate resignation’ but thanked Medera ‘for his years of service and leadership and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours’.

The statement quotes Medera as saying that he wanted to ‘take this opportunity to thank all the employees of Caribbean Airlines who have done such a fantastic job over the past few years, facing some very difficult challenges and being their best, time and again, for each other and our passengers.

‘Also, thanks to partners for their support and commitment and customers for their trust and loyalty. I wish everyone well,’ he added.

CAL said that it would ‘continue to operate its full schedule, with no disruption to customers or partners’ and that the board of directors ’emphasises that this leadership transition comes at an important time for the airline and is part of its ongoing focus on stability, safety and accountability’

Son after coming to office following the April 28 general election, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar issued an ultimatum to the airline’s management, telling them to ‘sort out the mess’ within two years or face replacement.

‘I am giving the management of CAL two years to sort it out; otherwise, everyone there will be looking for a new job,’ Persad-Bissessar said in August, stressing that taxpayers would no longer bankroll under-performing State enterprises.

The statement by CAL on Monday said that as part of the new transition, the board and senior leadership team will be focusing on five key initiatives, namely supporting employees and stakeholders with open communication and care, reviewing operations to increase efficiency and modernisation, enhancing the customer experience with improved services, developing a long-term, financially responsible and sustainable growth plan and conducting full and thorough audits of all departments and processes, to strengthen governance, safety, and accountability.

‘The airline also reaffirmed its commitment to developing and promoting talent from within the organization, before seeking external candidates, to provide employees with clear opportunities for growth and career advancement.

‘Caribbean Airlines will continue to serve the region with pride, reliability and a steadfast commitment to safety. The Board of Directors remains committed to open and timely communication with employees, customers and stakeholders as this leadership transition and strategic plan are implemented,’ the statement added.

Grenada’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter David has called on Grenadians to unite in rejecting a United States request to install what has been described as ‘military assets’ in the country, warning that such a move could destabilize the southern Caribbean.

The issue, which has sparked intense debate both in Grenada and across the wider Caribbean, comes amid rising regional tensions and Washington’s renewed campaign against drug trafficking.

In a public statement on Monday, the former minister said that while Grenada values its longstanding partnerships with both the United States and Venezuela, any actions taken must be rooted in diplomacy, mutual respect, and regional cooperation.

‘Any genuine efforts to fight the drug trade in our region are both desired and welcomed,’ the statement read. ‘But unilateral action, especially one perceived by other countries as laced with hostile intentions, will be both counterproductive and destabilizing.’

David stressed that Grenada has long upheld the principle of non-interference and dialogue among states, positioning the island to play a constructive role in easing regional tensions.

‘It would be both problematic and undesirable for Grenada to accede to the U.S. request to have its military assets stationed here in the current context,’ the statement continued. ‘Doing so will only help exacerbate tensions and undermine efforts toward peace.’

While rejecting the installation proposal, the former minister emphasized that Grenada’s stance should not be viewed as an act of hostility toward Washington, but rather as a reaffirmation of the nation’s commitment to sovereignty and peaceful resolution.

Calling for unity, the he urged Grenadians to ‘band together in the interest of our nation, our sovereignty, and our dignity,’ adding that the moment calls for patriotism rather than partisan division.

‘This is not a time for political potshots,’ the statement said. ‘At this defining moment in history, it is time to raise one flag – our national flag.’

The appeal concluded with a line from the national anthem: ‘Being proud of our heritage, may we with faith and courage, aspire, build, advance, as one.’

The Trinidad and Tobago government Monday said that it will submit a revised offer of 10 per cent in salaries and wages to public servants saying the measure is in keeping with a promise made during the campaign for the April 28 general election.

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo delivering the first national budget of the United National Congress (UNC) -led coalition government, said that for far too long, public officers, the backbone of the country’s workforce, have been made to carry the weight of the former Government’s neglect and indifference.

‘This government is taking this bold and historic step to restore justice, dignity and respect to the hard-working men and women of the public service. After nine long years of stagnation, we are committed to finally bringing all parties back to the bargaining table to address this long-overdue injustice.’

Ancoo said that on the completion of the bargaining process with the Public Service Association (PSA), the government will work with Republic, First Citizens Bank and the National Insurance Board to find a comprehensive solution to discharge this national obligation.

‘This government is focused on delivery and not delay, workers’ rights and not neglect, appreciation and not excuses.

‘In furtherance of the conclusion of negotiations for the Civil Service, Statutory Authorities and Tobago House of Assembly for the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019, the Honourable Prime Minister has instructed me to advise the Chief Personnel Officer to submit a revised offer of 10 per cent.’

Tancoo said that he is also advising the members of the Teaching Service, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, and the Port of Spain and San Fernando City Corporations that the government will ratify the collective agreements signed in April 2025 between the Chief Personnel Officer and their respective Associations/Union/Committee.

Tancoo said that the recurrent cost of implementing these agreements is estimated at TT$214 million (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) annually, with arrears of TT$730 million as of December 2025.

Tancoo also dislosed additional policy decisions that the government will undertake to improve the lives of all public servants, teachers and Central Government daily-rated workers.

He said upon assuming office, he was shocked to learn that theretirees in these groups are removed from the UNIMED Group Health Plan precisely when medical issues are more likely to arise.

‘Accordingly, I have instructed that an appropriate Request for Proposal be prepared and issued to seek proposals from the market for an option that allows our retirees and their families to retain membership in the public sector health plan.’

He said also a job evaluation exercise for the civil service are estimated to be completed within the next six to eight month and that this major exercise marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the public service.

‘However, apart from the revised job descriptions with updated duties and responsibilities, it will provide another significant opportunity for nationals of this country. Upon completion of this exercise, approximately 40 per cent of all fixed-term standardised contract positions will be made permanent and pensionable.

‘In comparison, another 20 to 23 per cent of non-standard fixed-term contracts will also be ‘classified into the new grade structure,’ Tancoo said, adding that ‘this exercise will result in the reduction of fixed-term contract employment by as much as 63 per cent and bring these contract officers within the ambit of the public service’.

Scoreboard of the fourth day of the second Test between India and West Indies here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

INDIA 1st innings 518-5 dec’d

WEST INDIES 1st innings 248

WEST INDIES 2nd innings

(overnight 173 for two)

John Campbell lbw b Jadeja 115

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Gill b Siraj 10

Alick Athanaze b Sundar 7

Shai Hope b Siraj 103

*Roston Chase c sub Padikkal b Yadav 40

+Tevin Imlach lbw b Yadav 12

Justin Greaves not out 50

Khary Pierre c Reddy b Yadav 0

Jomel Warrican b Bumrah 3

Anderson Phillip c +Jurel b Bumrah 2

Jayden Seales c Sundar b Bumrah 32

Extras (b7, lb7, nb2) 16

TOTAL (all out; 118.5 overs) 390

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-35, 3-212, 4-271, 5-293, 6-298, 7-298, 8-307, 9-311, 10-390.

Bowling: Siraj 15-3-43-2, Jadeja 33-10-102-1, Sundar 23-3-80-1, Yadav 29-4-104-3, Bumrah 17.5-5-44-3, Jaiswal 1-0-3-0.

INDIA 2nd innings

Yashasvi Jaiswal c Phillip b Warrican 8

KL Rahul not out 25

Sai Sudharsan not out 30

Extras 0

TOTAL (one wicket; 18 overs) 63

Yet to bat: Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Fall of wickets: 1-8.

Bowling: Seales 3-0-14-0, Warrican 7-1-15-1, Pierre 6-0-24-0, Chase 2-0-10-0.

Toss: India elected to bat after winning the toss.

Position: India require 58 more runs with nine wickets remaining.

Umpires: Paul Reiffel, Richard Illingworth.

TV Umpire: Alex Wharf.

Reserve Umpire: KN Ananthapadmanabhan.

Match Referee: Andy Pycroft.

The Trinidad and Tobago government Monday presented a budget of TT$59.2 billion (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) to Parliament acknowledging a fiscal deficit of TT$3.8 billion and announcing a series of tax measures to finance the fiscal package.

The debate on the budget will begin on Friday.

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo, delivering his first ever budget to Parliament, said that the fiscal package is ‘more than just an accounting of revenues and expenditures, plans and policies,’ adding it represents a shift towards fairness’.

In his three hours and 15 minute presentation, Tancoo said that for too long, the government’s fiscal policy has been seen as a technical exercise and today ‘we redefine it as a human one’.

According to Tancoo, the Kamla Persad Bissessar administration on assuming offence in April found an economy in trouble and that the preliminary outturn for fiscal 2025 is for a deficit of TT$8.7 billion with revenue of TT$50.6 billion and expenditure of TT$59.3 billion.

Scoreboard of the third day of the second Test between India and West Indies here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday

INDIA 1st innings 518-5 dec’d

WEST INDIES 1st innings

(overnight 140 for four)

John Campbell c Sudharsan b Jadeja 10

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Rahul b Jadeja 34

Alick Athanaze c Jadeja b Yadav 41

Shai Hope b Yadav 36

*Roston Chase c and b Jadeja 0

+Tevin Imlach lbw b Yadav 21

Justin Greaves lbw b Yadav 17

Khary Pierre b Bumrah 23

Jomel Warrican b Siraj 1

Anderson Phillip not out 24

Jayden Seales lbw b Yadav 13

Extras (b5, lb18, nb5) 28

TOTAL (all out; 81.5 overs) 248

Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-87, 3-106, 4-107, 5-156, 6-163, 7-174, 8-175, 9-221, 10-248.

Bowling: Bumrah 14-4-40-1, Siraj 9-2-16-1, Jadeja 19-5-46-3, Yadav 26.5-4-82-5, Sundar 13-2-41-0.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings

John Campbell not out 87

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Gill b Siraj 10

Alick Athanaze b Sundar 7

Shai Hope not out 66

Extras (b2, nb1) 3

TOTAL (two wickets; 49 overs) 173

Yet to bat: Roston Chase, Tevin Imlach, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.

Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-35.

Bowling: Siraj 6-2-10-1, Jadeja 14-3-52-0, Sundar 13-3-44-1, Yadav 11-0-53-0, Bumrah 4-2-9-0, Jaiswal 1-0-3-0.

Toss: India elected to bat after winning the toss.

Position: West Indies trail India by 97 runs in their second innings with eight wickets remaining.

Umpires: Paul Reiffel, Richard Illingworth.

TV Umpire: Alex Wharf.

Reserve Umpire: KN Ananthapadmanabhan.

Match Referee: Andy Pycroft.

President Irfaan Ali says his administration would soon be introducing four new applications (apps) for the private sector to conduct business with the government.

Addressing the launch of the TOTALTEC-owned SOMA Hotel on Saturday, Ali said the apps would allow the private sector to conduct government business in a ‘transparent, productive and efficient manner.

The President indicated that the apps would allow authorities to detect malpractices by government officials.

‘The system is built to ensure that those tasked with giving the service will have a level of accountability that is digitally tracked.’

He disclosed that government representatives and the private sector will be meeting in another six weeks to launch the apps.

‘It’s not only about us asking the private sector to make these investments. It is also about us in government holding ourselves accountable with the use of this technology,’ he said.

The President was speaking at the commissioning of the SOMA Hotel and Restaurant, a flagship hospitality development conceived and executed by Lars Mangal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the TOTALTEC Group of Companies.

This first phase of SOMA will create 60 to 100 direct and indirect jobs for Guyanese men and women, across hotel operations, food and beverage services, and maintenance.

The project also supports a network of local suppliers and service providers, aligning with Guyana’s local content goals and national workforce development priorities.

As the project scales, TOTALTEC plans to expand SOMA across other key regions of development in Guyana – offering affordable, high-quality accommodation and dining experiences that support business travelers, professionals, and industrial clients throughout the country. 6

A United Nations-backed index measuring hunger and malnutrition in global hotspots has warned that 5.7 million Haitians are facing a deteriorating food security situation, as armed groups continue to expand their territorial control around the French-speaking Caribbean country.

The latest internationally-recognized Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) hunger report provides an analysis for the period of September 2025 until February 2026 and a projection for March until June of next year.

The UN on Friday said the report noted that; 1.9 million people in Haiti – or 17 per cent of the population – are suffering emergency levels of acute food insecurity, ‘which leaves them with food gaps, high acute malnutrition and excess mortality rates.’

The report says another 3.8 million people – or 34 per cent of the population – are facing crisis levels of acute food insecurity, meaning that they might be forced to deplete essential livelihood assets just to meet basic nutritional needs.

IPC expects that food security will deteriorate further from March to June 2026 in connection with the lean season, a period between harvests when food supply tends to be low and prices, high.

The report says over half of the Haitian population – 54 per cent – is projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity.

‘The situation is worsened by armed groups’ creeping control of territory and the country’s declining economy, which has led to mass displacement and the destruction of livelihoods.’

It added that, in regions controlled by armed groups, farmers who have managed to still carry out agricultural activity are forced not only to negotiate access to plots of land but also to share their produce.

Additionally, households in gang-occupied regions that relied on small businesses have been forced to abandon their sources of income, and that many people have lost their jobs following business closures.

Despite the support of humanitarian actors, the IPC report says Haitians face overcrowding, characterized by ‘precarious living conditions and a lack of sanitation facilities.’

‘This increases the likelihood of sexual violence, spread of diseases such as cholera, and psychological distress for the displaced, who already lack adequate access to safe water, food and proper healthcare.’

To alleviate the crisis, the IPC recommends an emergency intervention to prevent the poorest households from resorting to harmful coping strategies and an expansion of already existing social protection programmes , among other actions.

A United Nations-backed index measuring hunger and malnutrition in global hotspots has warned that 5.7 million Haitians are facing a deteriorating food security situation, as armed groups continue to expand their territorial control around the French-speaking Caribbean country.

The latest internationally-recognized Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) hunger report provides an analysis for the period of September 2025 until February 2026 and a projection for March until June of next year.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has invited leader of the main Opposition People’s National Party, Mark Golding to resume the Vale Royal Talks on constitutional reform.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition leader Mark Golding

In a letter dated October 10, Holness clarified that the initial suggestion for Golding to meet with Justice Minister Delroy Chuck – an invitation that was refused – was merely a ‘courteous, and practical as a preliminary step’ to brief the Opposition on the Government’s recent Cabinet and portfolio restructuring.

Golding’s letter, dated October 3, a reply to Holness’s September 30 invitation, had flatly rejected the proposal to meet with Chuck.

Golding insisted that the only way to initiate the ‘required partnership’ he sought was through a direct meeting with the Prime Minister. He called for ‘authentic collaboration’ consistent with former bipartisan reform efforts.

Holness in the latest letter, proposed that the two leaders return to the Vale Royal Talks mechanism, offering it as a crucial ‘platform to move forward constructively’.

‘The Vale Royal Talks have proven useful in the past in providing a space for frank dialogue and principled compromise,’ Holness said. ‘I am hopeful you will accept the proposal, and we stand ready to coordinate the logistics with your team’.

Holness told the Opposition Leader that his government has a direct mandate from the Jamaican people to prioritise transforming the country into a republic.

The Prime Minister said his administration made a commitment to the people when prosecuting the case on constitutional reform in the run up to the September 3 General Election. He noted that commitment is laid down in the JLP’s election manifesto.

The dispute points to the deeply contentious policy disagreement – the fate of the UK-based Privy Council – continues to cast a shadow over the reform timeline.

The Privy Council is Jamaica’s highest court.

The Opposition is adamant that constitutional reform must be a single, non-phased effort that simultaneously removes the British Monarch as Head of State and replaces the Privy Council as the final appellate court. The opposition supports the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) being the new final court.

The Government, however, proposed a phased approach, arguing that the issue of the final court should be handled in a later phase and with broad consultation, likely via a referendum. Holness has previously stated a preference for a Jamaican final court.

The Prime Minister said the Vale Royal Talks have been useful in facilitating frank dialogue and principled compromise and proposed that they return to the talks in the hope of moving forward in a constructive manner.