Category: CANA News

Police have arrested one person after a one year-old baby died after being stabbed during a domestic violence situation on Thursday night.

Police said that they went to the scene at Cocobiacoweg on the outskirts of the capital, after a report had been made that a man was assaulting his wife and children, armed with a knife.

They said that upon arrival, officers and paramedics encountered a harrowing scene, where the baby had suffered stab wounds and died despite prompt medical attention

The police said that the suspect, a cousin of the child’s father, was arrested at the scene and that the mother and any other people involved were treated by emergency services.

Police say they are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of the child and have included several agencies, including the Child Protection Services and Victim Support.

The main opposition Progressive Reform Party (VHP) Friday said it recognizes the important historical contribution the Maroons have made in Suriname at various points in the country’s history as the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country observes Maroon Day.

Maroon Day is largely commemorated in the interior villages by descendants of the Maroons, who dress up in colorful ‘pangi’ to celebrate independence with everyone else in Suriname.

The VHP, headed by former president Chandrikapersad Santokhi, said that since October 10, 1974, Maroon Day has been commemorated here, dating back to 1760, when the Okanisi tribe was the first to make peace with the colonial rulers in Paramaribo.

It said that in the years that followed, three more peace treaties with other Maroon tribes followed, putting an end to the bloody hunt for escaped slaves.

‘This day is commemorated as a national holiday due to its great historical significance. It symbolises not only the peace that was concluded at that time, but especially the heroic struggle waged by the Maroon ancestors against oppression and slavery.’

The VPH said that while it recognises the ‘important historical contribution’ of the Maroons, at the same time, it ‘acknowledges that many Maroon communities still face difficult living conditions, both inland and on the coastal plain.

‘This group, which has lived largely in tribal groups along the major rivers of our interior for hundreds of years, holds a special position within our Surinamese community. They live traditionally and maintain customs, rituals, and traditions that are invaluable to Suriname’s cultural diversity.’

The party said that in recent years, several villages have been provided with clean drinking water and electricity by the previous government led by Santhoki.

‘They also worked hard to bring quality education to the interior of the country. Given the enormous backlog, this was no easy task, but improving the quality of life in the interior remains a priority for the VHP,’ it said, adding ‘this day remains a powerful symbol of freedom, resistance, and cultural richness, values that continue to inspire Surinamese society today’.

The authorities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) say they are treating recent public bribery and extortion allegations concerning overweight baggage fees for Caribbean Airlines with the utmost seriousness.

In a statement on Thursday, CJIA sought to assure the public that it is working closely with the airline and relevant authorities to investigate the claims raised by a Caribbean Airlines passenger thoroughly.

‘Passengers are reminded that all official payments, including for overweight baggage, must be made directly to the airline through approved channels, and an official receipt must be issued. No payment should ever be made to any individual officer or staff member,’ the statement noted.

CJIA said travellers are strongly encouraged to immediately report any witnessed or encountered bribery or corruption to the nearest police station, or CJIA Security.

During the first nine months of 2025, the airport security unit has recovered and returned numerous items to passengers, including – laptops, mobile phones, travel documents, electronic devices and cash.

‘The success of this unit is a direct reflection of the professionalism and integrity we uphold. As we reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on corruption, we remain focused on transparency, accountability, and service excellence in every aspect of our work,’ said the airport’s Public Relations Officer Shunza Samuels .

India elected to bat first after winning the toss against West Indies on the opening day of the second Test here at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday.

West Indies have made two changes with Tevin Imlach and Anderson Phillip replacing Brandon King and Johann Layne, while India has named an unchanged squad from the first Test.

SQUADS

WEST INDIES: Roston Chase (captain), Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Alick Athanaze, Tevin Imlach, Shai Hope, Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Khary Pierre, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales.

INDIA: Shubman Gill (captain), KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

Umpires: Paul Reiffel, Richard Illingworth.

TV Umpire: Alex Wharf.

Reserve Umpire: KN Ananthapadmanabhan.

Match Referee: Andy Pycroft.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday confirmed that a request for the temporary installation of radar equipment and associated technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport was received from the Government of the United States.

‘The Ministries of National Security, Legal Affairs and Foreign Affairs are carefully assessing the request and reviewing the request in technical consultations, in coordination with the Grenada airports Authority and other relevant agencies.

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes says Jamaica has become one of the first countries in the region implement clear rules for how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used in its courts.

In making the statement on Tuesday, Sykes said the guidelines are designed to ensure that AI enhances justice delivery without undermining fairness, accuracy, or integrity.

He said the rules apply to the Supreme Court, the Revenue Court, the High Court and the Circuit Divisions of the Gun Court.

Acknowledging that there is a growing use of AI in the preparation of legal documents, the Chief Justice called for this to be responsible, secure and transparent to ensure that the integrity of the judicial process is maintained.

He noted at there are numerous benefits of Generative AI.

‘It will enhance efficiency and enhance court operations. It will also simplify the preparation of legal submissions, reduce clerical delays , ease the filing process and support self representative litigants. Court staff will also use AI to improve document management, can scheduling and information retrieval. Ensuring proceedings are faster, more accurate and transparent. For ordinary Jamaicans, these changes mean faster access to justice, clearer processes and a system that works for everyone.’

The Chief Justice has also urged attorneys to thoroughly review documents done with the assistance of AI before submission to the court.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday confirmed that a request for the temporary installation of radar equipment and associated technical personnel at the Maurice Bishop International Airport was received from the Government of the United States.

‘The Ministries of National Security, Legal Affairs and Foreign Affairs are carefully assessing the request and reviewing the request in technical consultations, in coordination with the Grenada airports Authority and other relevant agencies.’

The statement said the Government of Grenada is carefully reviewing the request in accordance with established national procedures.

‘Any decisions will be made only after all technical and legal assessments are completed. We wish to assure our citizens that any decision taken will be guided by Grenada’s sovereignty, public safety, and national interest, including the protection of our tourism industry, the traveling public, and the country’s economic well-being.’

The statement added that the Government will continue to keep the public informed as developments unfold.

This development comes as military tensions in the southern Caribbean continues to mount as the United States is seeking to ramp up pressure on Venezuela in a new war against drug trafficking.

On Monday it was announced that President Donald trump has called off efforts to reach a solution with Venezuela .

Grenada is regarded as a strategic location for Washington’s manoeuvres , being located approximately 100 miles from Venezuela.

Trinidad and Tobago has officially been granted an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) licence from the United States Treasury Department to pursue the development of the Dragon Gas project.

Attorney General John Jeremie, made the announcement about the cross border project on Thursday at the Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs.

The licence, which permits Trinidad and Tobago to engage in cross-border energy collaboration with Venezuela, follows a formal request submitted on May 19 by the United National Congress government.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had previously signaled that the licence was imminent, noting that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had approved the request, although no timeline had been confirmed until now.

Jeremie, in responding to questions from the media, did not disclose the terms and conditions of this latest development but expressed confidence that it would be beneficial for T and T.

However, he said it differs from the last OFAC licence in that this one is being given in stages.

The first stage, which runs for six months until April 2026, is for negotiations with the Venezuelan government that would set commercial targets for US companies.

He added that the targets are ‘reasonable’ and attainable.

He also did not share what role Shell plays in this latest development and what role the energy giant is continuing to play in the deal.

On December 21, 2023, the Venezuelan government issued a 30-year licence to the NGC (National Gas Company) and Shell to develop and export natural gas from the Dragon gas field to T and T.

The OFAC played a key role in granting this licence under the then Joe Biden administration.

The Dragon gas field, situated in shallow waters between Venezuela and Trinidad, is crucial for replenishing feedstock for Trinidad, a significant exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), ammonia and other gas-based products.

Senior Democratic members of the United States House of Representatives have written to President Donald Trump demanding the list of designated terrorist organizations (DTOs) provide evidence for recent military strikes in the Caribbean Sea.

‘Per your administration’s sparse reporting to Congress, you have determined that certain cartels are ‘non-state armed groups,’ that you have ‘designated them as terrorist organizations,’ and that you have ‘determined that their actions constitute an armed attack against the United States”, the representatives said.

‘However, your administration has not identified any of the specific organizations you have determined to be included as designated terrorist organizations, nor the criteria or process used for making such determinations,’ they added.

‘You have also failed to specify the authority under which the administration is able to designate affiliates of certain drug trafficking organizations as enemy combatants for the purpose of undertaking lethal strikes,’ the ranking Congressional representatives continued. ‘We request that you immediately provide a list of all designated terrorist organizations to Congress, along with the associated determination criteria or methodologies used.’

They said that the flow of illicit drugs into the United States has caused a ‘horrific public health crisis that must be addressed.

‘Stemming that flow is an essential mission that has no military solution,’ they said. ‘Congress has authorized the executive to interdict and prosecute drug trafficking, including military support for such law enforcement-led interdiction efforts.

‘At the same time, interdiction must be paired with serious efforts to reduce demand,’ added the congressional members, noting that Trump recently ordered four lethal military strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea, ‘based on determinations that they were affiliated with entities you have designated as drug trafficking organizations and trafficking narcotics.’

They said the US Congress has the sole constitutional responsibility to declare war and to authorize the use of force, and that Trump has failed to secure such authorization for these strikes.

‘Further, the administration’s severe lack of transparency and failure to share critical information with Congress prevents Congress from conducting constitutionally ordained oversight of the Executive Branch,’ the letter said.

In addition, it said that the president has not provided Congress with details regarding the intelligence associated with these strikes nor has the administration provided significant details with respect to the legal justification for these strikes ‘beyond vague assertions of Article II powers.

‘The President’s Article II powers are significant, but they are not limitless,’ the letter said. ‘It is our understanding that the Department of Defense has determined strikes against designated terrorist organizations are legal on the basis of a legal opinion produced by the Department of Justice.

‘We ask that you provide that legal opinion to Congress immediately,’ it added. ‘We look forward to receiving the list of designated terrorist organizations and the Department of Justice legal opinion.’

On Wednesday, the Republican-controlled Senate blocked a measure by Senate Democrats that would prohibit Trump from using military strikes

Regional carrier, Caribbean Airlines (CAL), has been recognised for its service and has been named as the Caribbean’s Leading Airline Brand for 2025 at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards.

This is the 9th consecutive year that Caribbean Airlines has won the award.

The World Travel Award acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries; and is globally recognized as the hallmark of quality in global travel and tourism.

According to a statement, through its expansive route network, dedicated service, and commitment to regional integration, Caribbean Airlines continues to elevate the standard for aviation excellence in the region, and the latest accolade reaffirms the airline’s unwavering commitment to delivering value, reliability, and a uniquely Caribbean experience to its customers.

In addition to the top honour, Caribbean Airlines has also won awards for the Caribbean’s Leading Airline, Caribbean’s Leading Cabin Crew and Caribbean’s Leading In-flight Magazine.

Over the past year, the airline has expanded its network into the French Caribbean, now connecting 28 destinations across North and South America and the wider Caribbean. It has also introduced innovative enhancements to its airport baggage handling systems and refined its product offerings to better meet evolving customer needs.

The award comes at a time when there appears to be major management changes taking place at Caribbean Airlines, with the company’s CEO recently announcing his resignation.