Category: CANA News

The senior project officer, Customs and Trade Policy at the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Bernard Black, is urging the St. Lucia government to transform Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) to an efficient air cargo distribution hub in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean (OECS) member countries.

The OECS members and territories comprise Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands as well as the French-islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe. In a concept note, a copy of which has been obtained by the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Black the project seeks to speed up delivery of air cargo to destinations within the OECS members and territories and the wider Caribbean.

He said the objective of this project is to improve inbound and outbound logistics for air cargo within, into, and from the Caribbean and the ultimate goals is to establish a single regional air cargo hub at the HIA that will receive air cargo from all countries for redistribution to various Caribbean destinations.

He said when the hub is established the main activities will be to seek International Air Transport Association (AITA) endorsement for Hewanorra International Airport as an international air cargo hub as well as establish a private management company to manage the facility’s affairs.

Black said it would also allow for the construction of a special cargo terminal into and from which, aircraft can discharge and load cargo, secure a fleet of aircraft to distribute cargo to OECS and other Caribbean destinations and recruit and train employees to manage the operation.

Black said that under the current situation, trade in the Caribbean is primarily served by shipping carriers that ply north to south routes between Florida in the United States and Guyana.

He said during the 1970s and 1980s inter island trade amongst OECS States was primarily facilitated by schooners that facilitated imports from Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, but with the modernisation of seaports in the OECS to containerized cargo, the schooner trade is no longer feasible.

Black said that there are increased volumes of OECS imports generated from online shopping and door-to-door deliver and the economic impact of e-commerce resulting from the combined activities of international courier brands and non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) increases each year.

‘Despite Barbados’ high inbound air traffic activity, there is limited space for expansion near its already busy airport. HIA has access to over 100 acres of undeveloped land next to its runway, on which a modern cargo handling terminal can be built.,’ he said, giving reasons why St. Lucia should be chosen for an efficient air cargo distribution hub in the OECS.

He said that the island is located roughly midway the eastern Caribbean chain, ideal for short distance air cargo voyages to OECS countries.

He argues that the OECS could benefit economically from the venture, noting that each year Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago import large volumes of fresh food from extra-regional countries.

‘Over the past five years Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago have had a combined annual food import bill of at least US$700 million. The majority of OECS States are located within a 200-mile radius of Barbados and within a 500 mile radius of Trinidad and Tobago. Given their agriculture based economies, banana export experiences and close proximity, OECS countries can sustain reliable daily supplies of fresh produce to these two targeted countries.’

Black said that with the collapse of its banana industry, OECS countries are experiencing an exodus of persons from profitable farming, resulting in many farm holdings being unproductive with farmers not having the collective bargaining power to negotiate new export market access arrangements.

‘With the renewed prospect of new markets, a cargo hub in the OECS will trigger the resuscitation of farms to produce alternative high value crops and value-added products for regional export.’

Black said that there is an urgent need for a quicker and more predictable distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment in the OECS, noting that there are less than 10 regional suppliers of pharmaceuticals, based in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados, ‘non of which can guarantee same day dispatch and delivery of such goods to any OECS country. A St. Lucia based cargo hub can significantly reduce their clearance times’.

Black believes that a public/private management company is best placed to manage the facility’s affairs during the first five years of operation and that from the sixth year it can operate as a full private entity and listed on the OECS stock exchange to raise equity capital to boost its financial independence.

He is also arguing that the company could lease a fleet of six ATR 72 aircraft for one year to distribute cargo to OECS and other Caribbean destinations as well as acquire an information system to manage the movement of goods through the hub.

Black believes that there are opportunities for the sub-region, noting that the Caribbean’s courier trade is growing at a rapid pace and online sales companies like Amazon are responding to this trend.

‘In anticipation of sales in certain regions and to reduce delivery times, Amazon has set up a regional distribution centre in the Dominican Republic to target the eastern Caribbean. Similarly, a facility can be set up in St. Lucia.

‘The larger Caribbean suppliers in Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Belize can use the warehouse spaces at the cargo hub to store and distribute urgently needed stock in other Caribbean countries.’

He said that St. Lucia’s southern region can be transformed to an industrial support zone, taking advantage of large quantities of available lands, adding ‘there is a need to re-engage the Southern Free Zone that was initially set up for the purpose of manufacturing and easy export.

‘Angel investors that rely on a reliable distribution networks will appreciate the cargo hub as good location to conduct business. Businesses engaged in activities such as specialised machinery, information and technology, auto parts, tyres, security systems, specialized foods and pharmaceuticals can establish themselves in proximity to the cargo hub, rather than have multiple locations in several Caribbean States,’ Black said.

West Indies were dismissed for 138 in 36 overs after being sent in to bat by New Zealand in the second One Day International at Providence Stadium here on Monday.

WEST INDIES 138 in 36 overs (John Campbell 43, Amir Jangoo 24, Ackeem Auguste 18, Keacy Carty 18; Jayden Lennox 5-19, Mitchell Santner 2-21, Michael Bracewell 2-51).

Defending champions Barbados produced yet another spectacular batting performance on their way to recording their second successive win in the CWI Rising Stars Under-19 Men’s 50-over Championship here on Monday.

Led by a sensational double century by captain Gadson Bowens, Barbados posted a record-breaking total of 439 for eight on their way to a 258-run win over the Leeward Islands.

There were also victories for Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago against Guyana and the Windward Islands respectively.

At Liberta Sports Club: Barbados captain Gadson Bowens scored a memorable double century to propel his side to a mammoth 258-run victory over a hapless Leeward Islands.

Batting at the top of the order, Bowens blasted 209 off just 122 balls, while striking 22 fours and 13 sixes, as Barbados scored an unbelievable 439 for eight in their 20 overs.

It set the record for the highest total in the competition’s history, besting the 392 for nine which they scored against the Windward Islands in Saturday’s opening round.

The Leeward Islands did put up a fight initially, before collapsing to be all out for 181 in 23.5 overs.

But the day undoubtedly belonged to Bowens, whose knock is now the highest individual score in the tournament.

Together with opener Damarko Wiggins, who scored a patient 53 off 95 balls, the two shared an opening stand of 194 in 29 overs that set the tone for what was to come. After Wiggins was dismissed by Rondre Daniel, Bowens added 67 runs with Jordan Graham, who made 20, before he became the third wicket to fall to make the score 317 for three in the 41st over.

What followed after his dismissal was truly remarkable, as Jahidi Hinds blasted an unbeaten 53 off 19 balls with five sixes and two four, R’Jai Gittens slammed 40 from 17 balls, while Kelani Clarke scored a quickfire 31, as Barbados bludgeoned 122 runs from the last 10 overs.

Matthew Miller was the pick of the Leeward Islands’ bowlers with 4-48.

In their chase, Tanez Francis and Kunal Tilokani both scored speedy half centuries which carried them to 76 for one inside six overs.

After Tilokani was dismissed for 59 off 21 balls, Francis and J’Quan Athanaze maintained the momentum during a 46-run partnership in four overs.

However, once Athanaze was dismissed by Zarrell Harding for 17, the innings went downhill with Hinds running through the middle order with his medium pace.

When Francis was dismissed for 55 off 38 balls, they had slumped to 147 for five, a position they would not recover from.

Hinds finished with 4-39, Justin Parris took 2-3 and Harding 2-60.

At Bethesda Sports Ground: Jamaica got their first win of the competition courtesy of a comprehensive 10-wicket defeat of Guyana.

After electing to bat first, Guyana suffered a spectacular middle order collapse to be bowled out for 225 in 44.4 overs.

Jamaica’s opening pair of Odane Binns, who finished on 104 not out off 109 balls and Tyson Gordon Jr, who was unbeaten on 83 off 115 balls, was seldom bothered on their way to romping to 229 without loss in 37 overs.

Guyana looked well on their way to posting a formidable total when Parmeshwar Ram and Shamar Apple were at the crease during an 82-run partnership that elevated them to 175 for two in the 31st over.

But Jahdae Moore’s five-wicket haul totally changed the complexion of the match, as Guyana lost their last eight wickets for just 50 runs.

Medium pacer Perico Henry started the collapse by having Ram caught for the topscore of 78 from 93 balls, with spinner Geovanni Grey claiming the wicket of Romario Ramdehol for 18, to leave the score 204 for four.

Moore then went to work, dismissing Apple for an even 50 off 72 balls, while also picking up the wickets of Dhanesh Persaud, Joshua Budram, Feaaz Baksh and Jonathan Mentore to end the innings.

He finished with figures of 5-36, while Henry took 2-51.

Binns and Gordon Jr then made light work of their target, carrying their side to victory with 13 overs to spare.

Binns struck nine fours and five sixes, while Gordon Jr hit 10 fours, while Guyana, who are yet to win a match, also contributed to their own downfall by sending down 42 extras.

At Coolidge Cricket Ground: Trinidad and Tobago also registered their second straight win via a three-wicket victory over the winless Windward Islands.

The Windward Islands produced a disappointing batting performance that saw them limited to 183 for nine in their 50 overs after choosing to bat first.

Despite losing some late wickets, T and T were always on track to secure victory, eventually ending on 184 for seven in 38.5 overs.

The Windward Islands owed their eventual total to a fighting half century from Tyler Venner, which rescued them from serious trouble at 73 for six.

Venner scored 62 off 96 balls, and together with the tailenders got their side up to a decent target.

He shared a 46-run stand with Kevin Joseph, who made 17 and also added 41 with number nine batter Kazado Henry, who scored an unbeaten 15, before eventually losing his wicket in the last over.

For T and T, Daniel Holder (3-28), Brendan Boodoo (2-18) and Daron Dhanraj (2-26) were the main destroyers.

Boodoo then returned to score a crucial half century, while also sharing a 57-run stand with Tariq Richards that set them on the way to victory at 101 for two in the 18th over.

Medium pacer Aravinda Bishop tried to derail the chase by snapping up three quick wickets, including that of Richards for 43, that saw T and T slip to 170 for six.

Boodoo also lost his wicket for the topscore of 67 off 81 balls during that period, to give the Windward Islands a faint hope of snatching an unlikely victory.

It was not to be, however, as Christiano Ramanan scored an unbeaten 23 to carry his team over the finish line.

Bishop claimed 3-38 from his 10 overs.

Hard-hitting Guyanese batsman Shimron Hetmyer has been added to the West Indies’ squad for the first three One Day Internationals against New Zealand.

Hetymer was originally excluded from the squad after being granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by Cricket West Indies (CWI) to fulfil his Major League Cricket commitments.

However, in a release issued by CWI, it said the 29-year will replace injured Barbadian all-rounder Justin Greaves. Greaves, 32, was named Player-of-the-Series in the recently concluded two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which West Indies won 1-0.

‘Shimron Hetmyer has been named as a replacement for Justin Greaves in the West Indies ODI squad for the second and third matches of the series against New Zealand in Guyana.

‘Greaves was ruled out of Saturday’s opening ODI with a back injury and will return to Barbados on Monday to continue rehabilitation. He will be reassessed by the medical team ahead of the final two ODIs and the upcoming Test series against Pakistan,’ the release stated.

CWI revealed that the squad for the final two matches to be played at Kensington Oval in Barbados would be released later this week.

The West Indies hold a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after winning the first ODI by seven wickets.

Left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox’s maiden five-wicket haul led New Zealand to a tense five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second One Day International here on Monday.

Playing in just his seventh ODI, Lennox bamboozled the home side’s batters on his way to finishing with the remarkable figures of 5-19 in eight overs – the third-best figures by a New Zealand spinner in ODIs – as his side bundled out West Indies for a paltry 138 in 36 overs at Providence Stadium after sending them in to bat.

The Kiwis then endured some nervous moments before romping to 141 for five in 32.4 overs, securing a win that helped them level the five-match series at 1-1.

Lennox, who was the sixth and final bowler to be used by captain Mitchell Santner, proved to be an unlikely hero for New Zealand.

So impressive was his bowling performance that he bowled four of his five victims. Lennox helped to orchestrate a spectacular collapse that saw the Windies lose 10 wickets for 75 runs after being given a solid start by openers John Campbell and Ackeem Auguste.

The pair put on 63 runs in just under 11 overs before spinner Michael Bracewell broke the stand by having Auguste caught at point for 18.

Just three runs later, Campbell, who looked impressive during his knock of 43 off 41 balls, was undone by a delivery from Santner that kept low and cannoned into his off stump.

Shai Hope was Lennox’s first victim, bowled through the gates as he tried to execute a drive, to leave the Windies 86 for three.

Sherfane Rutherford broke the shackles by driving Lennox through extra cover for a boundary, but the very next delivery he was bowled off the inside edge as he played a defensive shot.

When Keacy Carty was bowled by a superb delivery from Santner that turned and brushed the outside edge of off stump, the West Indies were in serious trouble at 108 for five.

Lennox then returned to bowl both Gudakesh Motie and Matthew Forde in consecutive overs to reduce their opponents to 119 for seven.

The innings came to an end shortly after, with Lennox fittingly trapping last man Vitel Lawes lbw for a duck to complete his ‘five for’.

Santner supported well with 2-21, while Bracewell claimed 2-51.

Faced with a relatively straightforward chase, New Zealand’s opening pair of Henry Nicholls and Will Young batted positively during a 35-run partnership, before pacer Alzarri Joseph had Young plumb lbw for 28.

Three balls later and without a run being added, new batter Mark Chapman was run out by a good piece of fielding from Lawes at cover.

And when Nicholls was caught at short fine leg for 17 after his attempted sweep shot off Motie ballooned into the air, New Zealand was in a spot of bother at 52 for three.

They were rescued by a 42-run partnership between the in-form Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham that all but sealed the outcome.

Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre did make the match interesting by having Mitchell stumped for 28 and bowling Dean Foxcroft for a duck to reduce the visitors to 96 for five, but Latham scored an unbeaten 37 and Bracewell ended on 24 not out, the pair sharing an unbroken partnership of 45 to see the Kiwis to victory.

Pierre was the Windies’ best bowler with 2-33 from his nine overs.

Barbados and Martinique have a signed a five year cooperation agreement establishing a bilateral framework for cooperation in a number of areas.

The accord was by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and the president of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique, Serge Letchimy, signed on the sidelines of the recently held Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit in St. Lucia. Martinique officially became the seventh associate member of CARICOM and according to a statement released in Fort-de-France, the agreement with Barbados immediately gives this new phase an operational dimension.

‘It is no longer simply a matter of affirming that Martinique belongs to the Caribbean region. The agreement establishes a bilateral framework for cooperation with a regional neighbour capable of sharing expertise, experiences, and common priorities.’

Letchimy said Martinique is not merely ‘taking a seat at the table’ of CARICO, but wants to build, propose, and take action.

Nine sectors have been identified under the agreement in cultural and creative industries, sports, education, vocational training, risk management, health, tourism, fisheries, and trade facilitation.

‘This diversity shows that the relationship we are seeking is not limited to institutions. It directly involves students, artists, athletes, tourism professionals, fishermen, businesses, and healthcare providers,’ the statement said, noting that ‘for young people, this could involve new training programmes, skills exchanges, or joint programs.

‘For the cultural sectors, this agreement can build bridges between two neighboring territories that share a regional space but whose languages, administrative systems, and economic networks often remain separate.’.

The agreement provides for a Joint Cooperation Committee, co-chaired by Barbados and the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique.

The Committee will be responsible for defining priorities, approving programs, monitoring their implementation, and reviewing their results. A Technical Secretariat will be responsible for operational oversight. An annual report must detail the actions taken, the resources mobilized, performance indicators, challenges encountered, and the planned programme for the following year.

‘By providing for regular evaluations, Martinique and Barbados are demonstrating their commitment to making the relationship measurable-and, above all, to making its effects visible to the populations concerned.

The agreement is renewable after five years and gives both parties ‘time to develop projects beyond one-off meetings.

‘It also provides a stable framework for their relationship, as Martinique seeks to strengthen its position between the Caribbean, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.’

Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Denzil Douglas, says he is ‘progressing well’ after undergoing surgery at the New York-based NYU Langone Health for ‘significant health challenges resulting from severe back pain.

‘I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Almighty God for His grace, strength, and protection,’ said the 72-year-old Douglas, the longest serving prime minister of the twin island Federation, who had been in office from 1995 to 2015.

Douglas, who is also a medical practitioner, said the problems stem from a serious life threatening MVA in 1988 with serious injuries to his spine leading to surgical intervention in 2003 to the Cervical area, and now to the Lumbar-Sacral area. He gave no indication as to when the surgery was performed. ‘I am pleased to report that the procedure was highly successful, and I have received an excellent and encouraging report from my Neurosurgeon Prof. Dr Anthony K Frempong-Boadu,’ Douglas said in a statement, adding ‘while my recovery continues, I am progressing well, encouraged by the positive signs each day, and remain optimistic about my health and the future.

‘As a Medical Doctor myself, this experience has further strengthened my appreciation for the remarkable advances in modern medicine and technology, and for the exceptional skill, professionalism, and compassion of the doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians, and all healthcare professionals whose expertise and dedicated care made this successful outcome possible.’

Douglas said he is also equally grateful to his devoted family especially his daughter Dr Andrea F Douglas and the many well-wishers, both at home and abroad.

‘Your kindness has meant more than words can adequately express. This experience has reaffirmed that even in moments of fear and uncertainty, hope and faith remain powerful. Healing is a process that requires patience, perseverance, and purpose.

‘I encourage anyone facing illness or personal challenges to remain steadfast, trust the process, and never lose hope. Better days are possible. As I continue on the road to recovery, I look forward with renewed strength, gratitude, and optimism, and remain committed to serving the people of our beloved Federation,’ he added.

New Zealand defeated West Indies by five wickets in the second One Day International at Providence Stadium here on Monday.

Scores

WEST INDIES 138 in 36 overs (John Campbell 43, Amir Jangoo 24, Ackeem Auguste 18, Keacy Carty 18; Jayden Lennox 5-19, Mitchell Santner 2-21, Michael Bracewell 2-51).

NEW ZEALAND 141-5 in 32.4 overs (Tom Latham, 37 not out, Will Young 28, Daryl Mitchell 28, Michael Bracewell 24 not out, Henry Nicholls 17; Khary Pierre 2-33).

Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago have joined several countries in the so-called ‘Shield of the Americas’ in condemning a challenge to the integrity of the electoral process in Colombia.

A statement issued by the United States State Department said that the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries had joined the United States, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Paraguay in condemning the action as part of the ‘Shield of the Americas’ that was created by President Donald Trump.

‘We observe with deep concern the recent statements and actions that, without duly substantiated grounds, cast doubt on the integrity of the electoral process in the Republic of Colombia and generate uncertainty regarding the normal course of the institutional transition,’ the joint statement said.

‘In every constitutional democracy, the sovereign will of the citizens – freely expressed at the ballot box and formalized by the competent electoral authorities – constitutes the sole foundation of the legitimacy of public power,’ it said, adding that ‘disregarding the results officially proclaimed by said authorities constitutes a serious disregard for the popular will and for the principles that underpin the Rule of Law.’

The countries also said that they reject ‘any action, statement, or decision that seeks to delegitimize the mandate conferred by the citizens, to discredit without basis the competent electoral authorities, or to obstruct the institutional transition, known in Colombia as the empalme process.

‘The transition between governments does not constitute a political concession, but rather a constitutional and institutional duty designed to guarantee the continuity of the State, democratic stability, and the effective fulfillment of the popular will,’ they said.

The governments issued ‘a firm call to all Colombian authorities to act in strict adherence to the Constitution, the law, and democratic principles; to respect the results officially proclaimed by the competent electoral authorities; and to guarantee a peaceful, orderly, and transparent transition, in accordance with the highest standards of the Rule of Law.’

On June 24, Trump-backed Colombian right-wing candidate Abelardo De La Espriella, 47, narrowly won the June 24 president election with Trump publicly showing his distaste for Gustavo Petro, a former rebel and Colombia’s first leftist president.

Colombian leftist senator Ivan Cepeda, who acceded in the country’s presidential race, had strongly condemned Trump for interfering in the country’s electoral process.

De la Espriella, who holds dual US and Colombian citizenship, is a close Trump ally and member the US Republican Party. He defeated Cepeda by just one percentage point, and pledged Colombia’s membership into the ‘Shield of the America.’

De la Espriella will commence his four-year term on Aug. 7.

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert R. Ramdin, said he is looking forward to working closely with de la Espriella and to ‘continuing the valued partnership between Colombia and the OAS in advancing the shared goals of the Hemisphere.’

Ramdin also acknowledged ‘the democratic attitude of candidate Ivan Cepeda Castro in accepting the electoral results’.

The Leeward Islands Cricket Board’s (LICB) presidential elections, which were slated to be held on Saturday, have now been put on hold after concerned persons within the Leeward Islands cricket fraternity obtained a High Court injunction.

The latest urgent court action was reportedly taken against the LICB after former West Indies international cricketer Kieran Powell was prevented from standing as a candidate in its upcoming presidential elections.

On Friday, The Antigua and Barbuda High Court granted an interim injunction temporarily suspending the LICB presidential election process, slated to be held last Saturday, following urgent concerns raised on behalf of the Anguilla Cricket Association and President of the Nevis Cricket Association Carlisle Powell, over transparency, fairness and constitutional compliance ahead of the scheduled vote.

The Court has listed the first inter partes hearing for July 22 and has given the LICB until July 16 to file any affidavit in response.

Concerned regional board members and stakeholders within Leeward Islands cricket say the injunction was not sought to disrupt cricket administration, but to protect the integrity of the process before any final election outcome is declared.

At the centre of the dispute is the omission of Powell from the circulated nominee list, despite being understood by supporting regional cricketing associations to have secured the necessary nominations for the presidency.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the omission of vice-presidential candidate, Dr Timothy Hodge and alleged delays linked to election correspondence reportedly being sent to an outdated email account.

Senior Leeward Islands cricket administrators have also pointed to unresolved questions surrounding the extended tenure of incumbent president Enoch Lewis, who is understood to have held office for approximately a decade or more,

notwithstanding constitutional material presently relied upon that appears to prescribe a maximum of two consecutive three-year terms.

Questions have also been raised over how and when the latest constitutional amendments were adopted, circulated and ratified.

Officials say the Court’s intervention reflects the seriousness of the issues now before it, with stakeholders maintaining that no election result should be confirmed while material questions over nominations, notice, eligibility and constitutional process remain unresolved.