Category: CANA News

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) says it is closely monitoring the situation where several Haitian nationals have been detained since October 2025 at the Temporary Detention Center for Foreign Citizens in Moscow.

The ministry said among those being held is the student, Slanda François, who like the others are to deportation orders or administrative detention.

Foreign Affairs Minister Raina Forbin, the relevant Russian authorities are currently taking the necessary administrative steps regarding the release of François.

Forbin said that as part of these repatriations, transit visas have already been obtained for the Haitian students concerned, allowing them to travel back to Haiti for their return.

The ministry said that as soon as it had been notified of the case in December 2025, diplomatic exchanges were initiated with the relevant authorities. It said during these exchanges, the Haitian government requested the release of the detained Haitians, confirmed its willingness to cover the costs of their repatriation, and proposed various travel routes to facilitate their return, as well as the issuance of the necessary transit visas.

The Ministry said it remains ‘fully engaged’ and will continue its discussions with the relevant authorities until this process is completed, reaffirming that all appropriate diplomatic means to protect and assist Haitian nationals abroad are being undertaken.

The Jamaican-born British actor, Micheal Ward, Friday has been found not guilty of raping a woman who claimed he had attacked her in the back of a car in January 2023.

The 28-year-old actor and model, who was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, on November 18, 1997, is best known for starring as gang leader Jamie in the hit Netflix crime drama, Top Boy. He won the prestigious BAFTA Rising Star award in 2020. Ward had denied two charges of rape and three of sexual assault, and a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court acquitted him on all counts.

The court heard he had met the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, at an east London nightclub on 2 January 2023 and that ‘everything we did was wholly consensual’.

He told the jury that he thought they were ‘having a great time’ during the encounter and that when he met the ‘very cute’ woman, he had sensed ‘there was interest there’ and that he had asked her to join him in a car, where there was a ‘continuation of the flirting.

‘She was reciprocating the energy. She was pulling me close. For me, that was an inviting act and we were both enjoying that moment,’ Ward said, adding that she ‘never mentioned anything about wanting to leave’.

He told the jury she had seemed ‘absolutely fine’ and had a ‘nice and engaging general conversation’ and that they later exchanged messages.

But in the court the woman, in tears, gave a different story, saying that she would have ‘never would have got in that car with him’ if she had known what would happen.

She denied the encounter was consensual, insisting that ‘Micheal raped me’ and that she had repeatedly told Ward she needed to leave ‘on multiple occasions’.

Ward was arrested on 18 January that year and in a statement then told police ”I deny the allegation of rape.

‘I want to put on record that we had consensual foreplay and consensual sex.’

The following is the CANANews and SPORTS Schedule for Friday, July 10, 2026.

ROSEAU – Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, says the financial institution must move from safeguarding monetary and financial stability to building macro-financial resilience.

QUITO – The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) says the period of inflationary relief experienced by the energy sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has come to an end and that as of June thi year, gasoline and diesel prices remained above the levels recorded before the Middle East conflict.

UNITED NATIONS- United Nations humanitarian groups in Haiti say they are ‘alarmed’ by the impact of armed clashes on people in the West Department, with more than 3,000 people newly displaced in the communes of Ganthier and Kenscoff.

BASSETERRE -The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) says two former prime ministers, a Nobel Laureate, a former ECCB governor as well as an Olympic gold medalist are among persons selected to replace Britain’s Queen Elizabeth on the Eastern Caribbean (EC) banknotes.

PORT OF SPAIN – The Court of Appeal will on Tuesday next week hear an an urgent procedural appeal as businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, seek to overturn a decision by a High Court judge refusing a challenge to their detention under the existing state of emergency (SoE) regulations.

SPORTS:

BREADY – Ireland Women posted 269 all out in 49 overs after being asked to bat against the West Indies Women in the first One Day International here on Friday.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has reiterated a call for the establishment of an Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) airline, as he expressed his fraustration of having to wait hours in order to arrive here to attend a meeting.

‘The need for OECS airline is even more apropos today, recognising the frustrations of perpetual flight delays and cancellations among existing carriers,’ Browne told a ceremony to mark the change in chairmanship of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Monetary Council here on Thursday night. The OECS groups the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla.

Browne said that the existing airlines operating in the region leave ‘regional travellers stranded on a daily basis,’ recounting the problems he faced when travelling to St. Lucia t attend the just concluded 51st meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit.

‘You know, on my way to the CARICOM meeting in St. Lucia, I missed the opening ceremony because I had to spend six hours on the Barbados airport because Inter-Caribbean Airline could not make a plane available to take us to St. Lucia.

‘In fact, the wait time should have been one hour, turned out to be six hours. Even coming here to Dominica, even though we had a private charter, there were also delays. So we clearly have a problem when it comes to connecting OECS people.

‘But we also need to understand that is a greater threat. The curtailing of international flights to the OECS countries by carriers such as British Airways will make the need for OECS airline even more urgent.’

Browne told the audience that he has been informed that already British Airways has indicated that it will discontinue service to a particular OECS country to facilitate hopping in Barbados.

‘So with these threats, we need now to provide proactive leadership and literally to put our money where our mouth is and to make sure that we develop mitigating strategies so that we do not get left behind.’

Browne said that the proposed OECS airline will be owned by the governments collectively, operated and managed privately along commercial lines to generate profits to ensure sustainability.

‘So no head will have the right to utilise this new airline as his or her private jet,’ Brwne said, noting that the ECCB Monetary Council also approved the prudent use of a portion of dormant account balances held at a central bank to support regional development initiatives while fully safeguarding depositor rights.

‘And let me be abundantly clear, we’re not trying to steal your money. In fact, lawful owners and beneficiaries will retain the right to reclaim their funds into perpetuity. And this replaces the previous 30-year limitation in which the funds would have been forfeited after 30 years.

‘So it’s a better dispensation for depositors or the beneficiaries of these deposits while at the same time ensuring that we can utilise these idle funds for the development of the subregion,’ said Browne, the outgoing chairman of the Monetary Council.

In his address, Prime Minister praised the Governor of the ECCB Timothy Antoine ‘and the dedicated team …for your outstanding stewardship in the past year’.

He said the bank delivered a profit of EC$121.6 million (Onne EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) for the 2025-26 financial year.

‘A strong testament to prudent management and institutional excellence and one which will enable a greater distribution of earnings to our member governments. So keep the profits coming’.

Browne said that over the past year, the OECS region has navigated an increasingly uncertain global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, shifting trade dynamics, inflationary pressures and energy market volatility.

‘For small island developing states, these challenges are certainly familiar. Yet through prudent leadership, sound policy and regional cooperation, the people of the Eastern Caribbean have once again demonstrated remarkable resilience.

‘I believe that it is certainly in our DNA to be resilient. In fact, our forebears have been extremely resilient, and that is why we are here today. That is why they survived the atrocities of slavery and colonisation.

‘Our challenge now is to transform that resilience into greater prosperity,’ Prime Minister Browne said, adding ‘our people must be positioned to control the commanding heights of the economies of our respective countries.

‘Failing will be nothing more than extractive economies for foreign capitalists,’ Browne said, encouraging entrepreneurs and financial institutions alike to make greater use of this facility to expand investment, create jobs, and certainly to stimulate private sector growth.

‘I especially encourage our banks to provide more favourable terms to small businesses, given the significant reduction in risk provided by the guarantee. So there’s no reason for these banks to be charging double digits.’

Prime Minister Browne said the fact that the risk is about 80 per cent guaranteed means that they should reduce the interest rate, interest costs to borrowers.

‘Now, this is critical to expanding regional output and certainly to promote job creation and supporting private sector growth and development,’ he added.

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) Friday warned that the average price of oil this year will be higher than in 2025, which means that six channels of impact on the region remain in effect.

In a special report released here, ECLAC examines the channels through which the global economy – and Latin America and the Caribbean in particular – have been affected by the hostilities initiated on February 28, 2026 in and around the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. ‘The hostilities between the United States and Israel, on the one hand, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the other, reveal once again the magnitude of the global economy’s interdependence and the swiftness with which disruptions and shocks are transmitted across countries and regions. There are multiple transmission channels.

‘However, these channels do not operate uniformly; their impact depends on each economy’s form of international integration, its production structure, and its trade and financial ties with the rest of the world,’ said ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs.

ECLAC said that the study is being published in a context of uncertainty regarding diplomatic advances.

Last month, the presidents of the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at putting an end to the military attacks, lifting the naval blockade of Iranian ports and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, in addition to establishing a 60-day window for negotiating a definitive accord.

However, on July 6, there were renewed hostilities, and two days later at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Trkiye, President Donald Trump expressed doubts about whether the ceasefire agreement had ended.

ECLAC warns that even if recent diplomatic advances hold, that does not mean there will be an immediate normalization of markets, nor does it invalidate the direction and types of impacts identified in the report.

It said that the normalisation of production activity in Persian Gulf countries and of trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz will take time and that as of late June, traffic through the strait remained below its usual levels, in a context in which security risks persist along with logistical disruptions and high maritime insurance premiums for the ships that are moving through the area.

The report adds that regardless of how prices for energy goods evolve in the coming months, the average for 2026 will be higher than in 2025: taking the prices effectively observed through June and assuming a Brent benchmark price of US$75-80 per barrel for the rest of the year, the annual average in 2026 is forecast to be 20 to 25 per cent higher than the US$69 per barrel registered in 2025.

In addition, while some of the effects of higher energy prices already set in between March and June, others – which tend to lag – will continue to unfold throughout 2026.

In its report, ECLAC identifies six channels for the transmission of impacts to Latin America and the Caribbean: two that could be positive – although not necessarily – for net exporters of energy but that are adverse for countries that are not net energy exporters (the trade and fiscal channels), and four that are adverse for all of the region’s countries.

The first transmission channel is the trade channel. In addition to the indirect effects stemming from disruptions in supply chains and the increased logistical costs of international trade, the conflict has a direct impact on Latin America and the Caribbean’s trade balance through the variation in the prices of energy and other exported or imported goods.

The increase in energy prices improves the trade balance of net exporters of energy and deteriorates that of net importers, which accounts for the vast majority of the region’s countries in numerical terms.

In a scenario of oil prices that are 25 per cent higher than in 2025 – which is the report’s base scenario – the trade balance impact is slightly positive for Latin America and the Caribbean as a whole (+0.05 percentage points of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026) and for South America (+0.13 percentage points).

But it is negative for non-hydrocarbons-exporting Caribbean countries and for the group made up of Central America, Haiti and the Dominican Republic -0.5 and -0.9 percentage points, respectively.

ECLAC said the second transmission channel is the fiscal one. Some governments have opted to absorb part of the shock of energy prices by reducing fuel taxes or using other mechanisms to protect the purchasing power of households.

In the countries that are net energy exporters, the increased fiscal revenue resulting from these goods’ higher prices serves to partially cushion that fiscal cost, but for net importers, that increased expenditure is not offset by higher revenue and leads to further deterioration of fiscal accounts.

There are four more channels, however, that have negative impacts for net energy exporters and net energy importers alike: the price channel (inflation), the cooling of global economic activity, the financial channel and that of monetary policy.

According to ECLAC, the rise in the price of fuel erodes household purchasing power throughout the region, both directly – due to its weight in the consumption basket – and indirectly, by making the transportation and distribution of other goods more costly.

It said this is compounded by the direct increase in fertilizer prices; the supply of fertilizers – like that of oil and gas – is largely concentrated in the Persian Gulf, which puts upward pressure, with a certain time lag, on food prices and increases the risk of greater food insecurity in the region.

In addition to this pressure on domestic prices, there is a channel linked to cooling global economic activity: the conflict has affected global growth prospects, and the more they deteriorate, the lower the region’s external demand will be.

A fifth channel is the financial one. Inflationary pressures in advanced economies lead their central banks to keep interest rates high for longer than expected, making external financing more expensive for the region.

At the same time, the increase in geopolitical uncertainty is associated with greater demand for assets that are considered to be safer, which strengthens the dollar and pressures the currencies of the region’s countries.

Finally, the sixth transmission channel is that of monetary policy. As a result of inflationary pressures, in several countries of the region that were reducing their policy interest rates, it is expected that those cuts will continue but at a more gradual pace, which could have an impact on economic activity.

The ECLAC’s special report indicates that while Latin America and the Caribbean appears to be in a more favourable relative position than other regions vis-à-vis this external shock – due to its relatively low direct trade exposure to Persian Gulf countries and because some of its major economies are net exporters of hydrocarbons – that aggregate position obscures significant heterogeneity.

‘The majority of the region’s countries, which are net importers of hydrocarbons, receive negative impacts from this shock through all the transmission channels,’ ECLAC added.

Former finance minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira remains in hospital on Friday after she experienced what has been described as a ‘medical emergency’ during a live television programme on Thursday.

The incident occurred about 14 minutes into an interview when Zelisa Boodoosingh Rupani, the host of Real TV’s Conversations with Zelisa, asked Nunez-Tesheira a question and as she started to answer, became quiet and slumped in her chair. In a statement, ZM Network Ltd said Nunez-Tesheira experienced a ‘medical emergency’ during the recording of the programme and was taken to hospital by members of the production team.

The company said she was resting and recovering with her family by her side.

‘Mrs Nunez-Tesheira is a national icon whose service to Trinidad and Tobago spans decades, as an attorney, law lecturer, parliamentarian, and as our country’s (former) minister of finance. Our team’s first priority was her health and safety. We remain in prayer for her full and speedy recovery, and we ask the public to join us in respecting the privacy of Mrs Nunez-Tesheira and her family at this time.’

Nunez-Teshiera, an attorney, was first elected to Parliament on November 5, 2007, and was also appointed minister of finance in November of 2007.

The Court of Appeal will on Tuesday next week hear an an urgent procedural appeal as businessman Dominic Hadeed and his wife, Genevieve, seek to overturn a decision by a High Court judge refusing a challenge to their detention under the existing state of emergency (SoE) regulations.

Justice of Appeal Peter Rajkumar in setting the date for the matter has also directed the parties to file their respective submissions by midnight on Saturday, paving the way for the hearing of the appeal by a full panel of three Justices of Appeal. The appeal date was set after High Court Judge Vigel Paul rejected an application to expedite the couple’s substantive constitutional claim, in which they allege they are being targeted by the Kamla Persad-Bissessar government because of their ethnicity and an ongoing dispute over the termination of leases for state land.

The application before Justice Paul was based on claims that Hadeed’s health has deteriorated significantly while he and his wife remain detained under Preventive Detention Orders (PDOs). Justice Paul has fixed July 17 for case management of the claim

The Hadeeds and relative Star Sabga, 69, were detained more than two weeks ago after police executed search warrants at their home and business.

According to the warrants, they were detained for allegedly conspiring to assassinate Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, Attorney General John Jeremie and other members of the government, as well as alleged offences under the Emergency Powers Regulations

On June 30, High Court judge, Justice Frank Seepersad refused to order the release of the Hadeeds pending the hearing of their judicial review claim challenging the legality of their arrest and detention.

In the appeal, filed on Tuesday, the Hadeeds are asking the Court of Appeal to overturn that decision, reconsider their application for interim relief and order their immediate release.

Alternatively, they are seeking to be detained under police supervision at their Westmoorings home, west of here, until their substantive legal challenge is determined.

‘The learned judge erred in law, in his provisional assessment of the merits, by unduly deferring to the Minister, in circumstances where the appellants had adduced credible and largely unchallenged evidence that demonstrated that, prima facie, the arrests, detentions, and PDOs were procured for an improper purpose and in bad faith,’ they stated.

They were initially detained under Regulation 13 before Homeland Security Minister Roger Alexander signed preventive detention orders against them on June 27 under Regulation 14.

They were subsequently transferred to the Eastern Correctional Rehabilitation Centre (ECRC) and the Maximum Security Women’s Prison, respectively, where they remain detained without criminal charges being laid.

The lawyers for the Hadeeds, led by Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, SC and including former attorney general, Faris Al-Rawi, SC, have argued that the health of Dominic Hadeed, the owner and founder of the company, Blue Waters Products Ltd, was deteriorating in prison because he was unable to access the medical treatment he requires, and urged the court to treat the matter as one of urgency.

The Attorney General’s Office has retained British KCs Sir James Eadie and Robert Strang to represent the State alongside attorney Gerald Ramdeen.

The Bermuda government says no one udner the age of 18 can legally consent to getting a tattoo amidst concerns that minors were being tattooed without their parents’ knowledge or permission.

The Department of Health said that Environmental Health Officers had investigated a local studio and as a result of the investigation, the studio’s operating licence has been suspended. The Department said that ‘under the Public Health (Body Piercing, Electrolysis and Tattooing) Regulations 2001, individuals under the age of 18 are legally prohibited from getting a tattoo unless they meet two strict criteria’.

It said that the young individuals ‘ must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the procedure and that the parent or legal guardian must provide formal, written consent before the tattooing begins.

‘These laws are important safeguards that help protect our young people,’ said Health Minister Kim Wilson.

‘We know from research and from real world experience that many individuals who get tattooed before the age of 18 later regret that decision. These requirements are not simply administrative steps; they ensure informed choices, reduce the risk of infections and allergic reactions, and help prevent the exploitation of minors,’ she added.

The government said that certified tattooists are legally required to verify their clients’ identities and keep rigorous records.

‘For every single procedure, a tattooist must obtain and securely store the client’s name, address, phone number, age, a copy of their photographic ID, and the signed consent form. These records must be retained for a minimum of two years.’

The Department of Health said that it is reminding all operators and certified practitioners that non-compliance will be met with strict enforcement action.

‘Violations of the regulations can result in heavy fines, imprisonment, and the immediate suspension or permanent revocation of both personal certificates and establishment operating licences.’

The following is the full text of the comunique issued following the 51st Regular meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders held here, July 5-8.

The Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, from 5 – 8 July, under the chairmanship of the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister.

Members of the Conference in attendance were: Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda; Honourable Philip Davis, Prime Minister, The Bahamas; Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister, Barbados; Honourable Roosevelt Skeritt, Prime Minister, Dominica; Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister, Grenada; His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Guyana; His Excellency Didier Fils-Aimé, Prime Minister, Haiti; Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, Jamaica; Honourable Reuben Meade, Premier, Montserrat;Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister, St Kitts and Nevis; Honourable Philip J Pierre, Prime Minister, Saint Lucia; Dr the Honourable Godwin Friday, Prime Minister, St Vincent and the Grenadines; Her Excellency Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President, Suriname; and the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister, Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr. Anthony G. Sylvestre, Attorney- General represented Belize.

Associate Members in attendance were: Honourable Cora Richardson-Hodge, Premier, Anguilla; Honourable E. David Burt, Premier, Bermuda; Dr the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Premier, British Virgin Islands; Honourable Isaac Rankine Cayman Islands; His Excellency Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity, French Guiana; His Excellency Serge Letchimy, President of the Territorial Collectivity, Martinique; and the Honourable Jamell R. Robinson, Deputy Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Ms Melissa Vasquez, Chief of Cabinet, represented Curacao.

OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony was held on Sunday 5 July at the Sandals Grande St Lucian Hotel and featured vibrant performances from Saint Lucian cultural groups. A common theme from the speakers was a call for unity and a renewed focus on ensuring that the people of the Region see value from regional integration.

The Honourable Alva Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia, warmly welcomed all Heads of Government, delegates and invited guests to the Ceremony and to the Meeting.

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, the opening presenter, reflected on the Community’s progress, and pointed to strengthened operations of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including the start of full Free Movement among four Member States in October 2025, and a steady increase in agricultural production under the 25 by 2025+5 strategy. She also highlighted CARICOM’s work with Haiti, expansion of associate membership and deepening partnerships with Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

‘To move ‘from resilience to renewal’, as this Meeting’s theme urges, requires active recognition that as architects of this Region’s future, we should work, in unison, to shape our own destiny, on our own terms,’ said Dr Barnett.

Featured youth speaker, Saint Lucian Rhodes Scholar Rahym Augustin-Joseph, underscored the need for active youth participation in crafting the Region’s future. He outlined pathways to progress – freedom of movement, food security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and deepening international partnerships that place youth, innovation and shared responsibility at the centre of CARICOM’s journey forward.

‘I worry that the politics of integration is not meeting the energy, the ambition, and vibrancy of the young people, and ordinary citizens who are already every day, writing the pages of Caribbean integration,’ he said, urging, ‘If ever there was a time for us to integrate, it is now.’

The Honourable Dr Terrance Drew, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis and Outgoing Chairman, noted that modernised governance and improved implementation of decisions will make the Region safer, more prosperous and more relevant to the lives of its people.

‘Unity is not simply our highest ideal; it is our greatest strategic advantage,’ he observed.

Chair of the Conference, the Honourable Philip J. Pierre, emphasised that regional integration must connect with the lived experiences of the people of the Community. It must move from ‘conference rooms to communities; from rhetoric to reality; from communiqués to results.’ Outlining his vision for a people-focused, implementation-driven CARICOM, he underscored the need for every major decision taken by the Community to be measured against its impact on the daily lives of CARICOM people.

‘The world has often benefited from Caribbean disunity. Larger powers and larger markets can more easily engage a divided Caribbean than a united one. But when the Caribbean speaks with one voice, when we act together, when we negotiate as a bloc, our collective influence is far greater,’ the Chair emphasised. Heads of Government discussed cost-of-living as a central issue. They noted that rising prices were dominant consumer concerns, and that inflation, driven by global shocks, including geopolitical events, was also affecting energy and supply chains.

They also addressed labour migration, mutual recognition of free movement of nationals within the Community, and arrangements to activate an intraregional ferry service. Heads of Government underscored the importance of an integrated regional capital market, efficient cross-border payments and the build-out of the regional financial ecosystem in realizing the objectives of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

They called for a strong regional AI framework to be urgently developed, and agreed to the establishment of a Blue-Ribbon Commission, comprising top regional and international experts, to advise on an AI policy agenda, governance standards, and capacity-building priorities.

Full Free Movement

Heads of Government welcomed notification from Grenada and Saint Lucia that they are actively taking steps to participate in full free movement of CARICOM nationals.

They also welcomed Montserrat’s indication that it is preparing to take necessary actions to accede to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE CLIMATE FINANCE AGENDA

Heads of Government reaffirmed that limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and the recognition and protection of the special circumstances of SIDS, remain the central objectives across all major negotiating streams for COP 31 to be held in Antalya, Turkey in November 2026.

They endorsed the CARICOM Climate Diplomacy and COP 35 Framework (2026-2030) as the strategic mechanism for advancing Member States’ interests within the international climate regime.

Heads of Government expressed their support for continued regional efforts to advance Guyana’s candidature to host COP 35 under the UNFCCC in 2030, and urged high level representation at the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit to be held in Guyana on 26-28 October 2026.

Regional Insurance and Reinsurance Strategy

Heads of Government noted the rapidly growing incidence of un-insurance and under insurance in Member States in the context of increased hurricanes and other disasters. They agreed to explore the expansion of catastrophic risk insurance coverage to tourism infrastructure, including hotels and critical economic and social infrastructure such as hospitals and pandemic events. They also agreed to establish a CARICOM Reinsurance Task Force to advance the concept, with a view to establishing a coordinated Regional Insurance and Reinsurance Strategy for CARICOM.

REGIONAL FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

Heads of Government acknowledged the continued commitment and work of the Special Ministerial Taskforce on Food Production and Food Security. They noted the persistent food and nutrition security challenges facing the Region and the world, and welcomed the efforts of individual Member States towards achieving the targets established under the Vision 25 by 2025+5 initiative.

They also noted the regional food security response matrix outlining regional strategic implications and coping strategies due to the war in the Middle East.

Heads of Government expressed their support for the Twentieth Caribbean Week of Agriculture to be held in Jamaica in September 2026.

REPARATIONS

Heads of Government approved the ‘CARICOM Ten Point Plan for Reparations: A Manifesto for the Coming Enlightenment’. They agreed to several initiatives to advance the Region’s Reparations agenda, including strong visibility at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in November 2026; ongoing collaboration with the African Union; staging of the Third Regional Conference on Reparations in Barbados from 18 -19 September 2026; and the unveiling of the Newton Enslaved Burial Ground Memorial in Barbados in November 2026, as well as to support the filing by Jamaica of a Reparations Petition to His Majesty King Charles III, scheduled to take place in London on 7th September 2026.

APPLICATIONS FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP

Bermuda and Turks and Caicos Islands

Heads of Government noted the considerable work that has been done in reviewing Bermuda’s application, and substantial progress achieved, reflecting the mutual commitment of the Secretariat and the Government of Bermuda.

They agreed that CARICOM would work with both governments to advance the application processes, and within the framework of the broader discussions on the Community’s enlargement policy.

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

French Guiana became the eighth Associate Member of CARICOM, following signature of the Agreement by the Chair of CARICOM and the President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana on 7 July 2026.

This follows Martinique’s accession to Associate Membership effective 16 June 2026.

Heads of Government warmly welcomed Martinique and French Guiana to their first Meeting of the Conference.

REPORT ON OVERSEAS TERRITORIES

Heads of Government received a report from the Government of The Bahamas on consultations with Associate Members of the Community on critical sociopolitical developments across the territories.

They expressed support for ongoing constitutional negotiations and governance reforms within Associate Members and underscored the importance of outcomes that safeguard and advance the right to self-determination of the peoples of these Non-Self-Governing Territories.

REGIONAL HEALTH SECURITY AND PREPAREDNESS FOR EMERGING PUBLIC HEALTH THREATS

Heads of Government received a report from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA). They endorsed CARPHA’s recommendations to facilitate implementation of risk-based measures at points of entry, and for Member States to strengthen national readiness for case detection and management. They acknowledged that even though the risk of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) importation into the Caribbean is low, international spread remains a concern and requires a regional coordinated response, including harmonised decision-making and information sharing.

They expressed appreciation to CARPHA for their work in regional health security.

REGIONAL SECURITY

Heads of Government received a report from the Regional Security Agencies, the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS); and the Regional Security System (RSS).

They affirmed the importance of preserving the confidentiality, integrity, and effectiveness of regional security operations to preserve the national security of Member States, while safeguarding the operations of national and regional operations and preserving the safety of all officials.

SITUATION IN HAITI

Heads of Government expressed solidarity andsupport for the efforts of the Haitian Government in response to the complex security challenges and its preparation for elections. They notedthat ongoing consultation between the Prime Minister and political stakeholders remains critical, and that the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) provides a vital bridge between the Haitian Government and a broad range of political and civil society stakeholders.

They agreed to provide all necessary support for the renewal of the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) and agreed to consider the offer from The Bahamas to support a permanent CARICOM presence in Port-au-Prince.

Given the incremental improvement in the security situation that now allows for improved distribution of supplies, they agreed to provide Haiti with humanitarian support, beginning with a commitment from Guyana to provide 500 tons of rice.

Heads of Government issued a statement on Haiti.

SITUATION IN CUBA

Heads of Government noted the recent developments in Cuba and expressed deep concern regarding the unfolding humanitarian crisis affecting the Cuban people. They agreed that CARICOM will continue its coordinated efforts to provide humanitarian support to the people of Cuba.

REAPPOINTMENT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Heads of Government, in Retreat,noted that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the process used in the reappointment of the CARICOM Secretary-General, and desires to have the issues related to the reappointment referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

They agreed that the Chair of Conference would issue a statement on the matter and would referthe issues related to the reappointment of the Secretary-General to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for an advisory opinion.

They also agreed that the Community would immediately commence proceedings to secure the advisory opinion by way of an application to the CCJ by the Community, in accordance with Article 212 of the Revised Treaty.

Heads of Government issued a statement on the reappointment of the Secretary-General.

SITUATION IN GAZA

Heads of Government took note of recent United Nations reports and briefings on the situation in Gaza and the West Bank and expressed deep concern at the reports of continuing acts of aggression against the Palestinian people and of a persisting humanitarian crisis. They reiterated their call for full respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, protection of civilians, and renewed efforts towards a just, lasting and peaceful solution based on the two-State solution.

Heads of Government also expressed concern about recent military incursions into Lebanon and deplored the negative impact on the Lebanese people.

HEALTH COOPERATION

Heads of Government welcomed the offer from the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, for the Community to utilize the services of the National Prosthetics Centre and the Couva Children’s Hospital for the children of CARICOM, and potential placement of Trinidad and Tobago trained House Officers interested in CARICOM Member States.

PARTICIPATION IN THE VULNERABILITY TO VIABILITY COMPACT

Heads of Government expressed support for the Vulnerability to Viability Compact, a partnership between Climate Vulnerable Forum – Vulnerable 20 Group (CVF-V20), member countries and a coalition of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), led by the OPEC Fund for International Development, to fundamentally change how finance is structured, priced, and delivered to climate-vulnerable economies.

They noted the interest of several Member States in being part of the CVF-V20.

BORDER ISSUES

Guyana-Venezuela

Heads of Government received an update on the latest developments in the Guyana-Venezuela controversy currently being adjudicated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They noted that the public hearings on the merits in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899 were held on 4-11 May 2026 and comprised two rounds of oral argument by Guyana and Venezuela.

Heads of Government further noted that the Court will in due course deliver its judgment on the matter which will be final and binding on both parties, bringing the longstanding search for a resolution of the controversy to an end.

The Heads expressed concern over the fact that Venezuela’s territory was being used to attack Guyanese security personnel who are operating within Guyana’s sovereign territory and expressed their expectation that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will apprehend the perpetrators and place them before the judicial authorities in Venezuela.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their full support for the ongoing judicial process as the means for resolving the controversy peacefully, finally and in accordance with international law, and reiterated their unequivocal and unwavering support for the maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana.

Belize – Guatemala and Belize – Honduras

Heads of Government received an update on the Belize – Guatemala and the Belize – Honduras cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They welcomed the Joint Declaration signed by Belize and Guatemala on 24 June 2026 in Panama City wherein the parties declared their commitment to abide by and implement the ICJ decision with the continued support of the OAS.

Heads of Government expressed concern about the continued illegal activities by Guatemalans that result in the deforestation of Belize’s protected areas and biodiversity loss along the Belize-Guatemala border. The Conference also expressed concern about the tensions in the Sarstoon River.

They underscored the obligation of Belize and Guatemala to refrain from any action which could exacerbate the dispute while the case is before the ICJ and reiterated their call for both countries to urgently fulfil their commitment to design a mechanism of cooperation for the Sarstoon River and maritime spaces, with the assistance of the OAS.

They acknowledged the instrumental role of the OAS in accompanying the process of confidence building measures and called on the international community to increase support for the OAS Office in the Adjacency Zone.

Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of Belize.

NOMINATION FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Heads of Government reaffirmed the Community’s commitment to multilateralism undergirded by the United Nations Charter and International Law, especially in the face of the pressing global challenges confronting the international community. They noted that a new Secretary-General of the United Nations is to be appointed during a particularly critical time for the world community. They acknowledged with appreciation that several distinguished candidates have been nominated from Latin America and the Caribbean to fill the post.

Heads of Government strongly welcomed Guyana’s nomination of Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and expressed their full endorsement for her candidacy.

REPORT ON THE INDIGENISATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

Heads of Government noted the recent work on the Indigenization of The University of the West Indies and the Transition from Royal Charter to an Intergovernmental Agreement of CARICOM States.

They agreed that CARICOM will continue its coordinated efforts to assist The University of the West Indies to expedite this process.

ACCESS BY CHILDREN TO SOCIAL MEDIA

Heads of Government agreed to explore common legislation on social media access by children, under the leadership of the President of Guyana. They also agreed to the preparation of guidelines for a policy framework under the leadership of the Prime Minister of Grenada, Lead Head of Government on Science and Information Technology.

CARIFESTA

Heads of Government accepted the offerfrom Guyana to host CARIFESTA 2027 and the offer from Antigua and Barbuda to host CARIFESTA 2029.

CARIFTA

Heads of Government accepted the offerfrom Guyana to host the CARIFTA Games in 2027 and the offer from Barbados to host the CARIFTA Games in 2028.

IN MEMORIAM

Heads of Government observed a moment of silence in memory of regional leaders and public servantswho had recently passed away.

His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, former President (Suriname)

Honourable Roderick Rainford OJ, former CARICOM Secretary-General (Jamaica)

Ambassador Elizabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Guyana)

Ambassador Elma Gene Isaac, Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS (Saint Lucia)

TRIBUTE

Following notification by the Honourable E. David Burt that the 51st Regular Meeting would be his last as Premier of Bermuda, Heads of Government commended his commitment to his territory’s full Membership of CARICOM and expressed support for his continued efforts in this regard prior to his departure from office.

APPRECIATION

Heads of Government expressed their gratitude to the Government and people of Saint Lucia for the excellent arrangements made for the Meeting, and the warm hospitality they received.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Heads of Government accepted the invitation of the President of Suriname to the 52nd Regular Meeting of the Conference in February 2027.

STATEMENTS

Heads of Government issued the following Statement (s):

I. Statement on the Reappointment of the CARICOM Secretary-General

STATEMENT OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) ON THE REAPPOINTMENT OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Issued on 7 July 2026

During the Retreat of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held on 06 July 2026, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago maintained its objection to the process used in the reappointment of the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

CARICOM acknowledged that the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago desires to have the issue of the reappointment of the Secretary-General referred to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to render an Advisory Opinion thereon. To facilitate this request, the Community agrees to commence proceedings to secure such advisory opinion in accordance with Article 212 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

The Community acknowledged that this is the very purpose for which the CCJ was created – to be a treaty interpretation body.

The Community further agreed that the status quo with respect to the re-appointment of the Secretary General shall remain unless and until the Community considers the said Advisory Opinion from the CCJ.

The Community agreed that this way forward allows for this matter to be resolved in an amicable manner, without prejudice to the ability of the Community to conduct its affairs.

In this context, the Community reaffirmed that the ongoing review of its governance architecture is part of the broader mandate, agreed at the previous Conference in St. Kitts and Nevis, to strengthen the governance of the Community and enhance its effectiveness.

The Heads of Government further underscored that this process does not impugn the integrity of any Member State or individual; rather it reflects the Community’s collective commitment to continuous institutional improvement with the highest standards of good governance.

The Heads of Government have reaffirmed their commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Community and will continue to move forward in unity to advance the interests of the Region during these difficult times, recognizing the myriad of challenges the Community faces currently.II. Statement on Haiti

STATEMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) IN SUPPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF HAITI

Issued on 7 July 2026

The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), meeting at their Fifty-First Regular Meeting in Castries, Saint Lucia, reaffirm their unwavering solidarity with the people of Haiti and their continued commitment to supporting Haiti’s efforts to restore security, strengthen democratic institutions, and return to constitutional governance.

The Conference welcomes the efforts undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Haiti, under the leadership of Prime Minister, His Excellency Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, to strengthen national security, advance the electoral process, and lay the foundations for free, credible, inclusive and peaceful elections. CARICOM commends the progress achieved and encourages the continued implementation of these efforts.

Heads of Government underscore that the successful completion of the current transition remains essential to enabling the Haitian people to freely choose their leaders through a democratic electoral process. They welcome the Government’s continued focus on Haiti’s immediate priorities: restoring security, ensuring stability, and advancing the electoral process.

CARICOM reaffirms its support for strengthening Haiti’s national security institutions and calls for the full deployment and renewal of the mandate of the Gang Suppression Force (GSF), recognizing that Haiti’s security is inseparable from the security and stability of the wider Caribbean.

CARICOM reiterates its commitment to continue working closely with the Haitian authorities, the United Nations, the Organization of American States and other international partners to help Haiti overcome the current crisis and create the conditions for security, free and credible elections, and lasting stability.

The Caribbean Community encourages all partners to support constructive engagement with Haiti’s current authorities and all key stakeholders to contribute to a coordinated and unified approach that places the interests, security and future of the Haitian people at the centre of collective efforts.

The Community remains confident that, through sustained national commitment and continued regional and international support, Haiti will achieve a secure, stable and democratic future for the benefit of its people and the Caribbean Community as a whole.III. Statement on Third Country Nationals

STATEMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) ON THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCNs)

Issued on 9 July 2026

The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community met in caucus to discuss wide ranging matters of critical concern to the Community. Discussions included MOUs on transit arrangements of Third Country Nationals (TCNs) proposed to individual Member States by the government of the United States of America.

Heads of Government considered common concerns across the region regarding the capacity of small countries to manage the transit of TCNs. The regional leaders stressed, however, that every effort would be made to ensure that TCN arrangements do not disrupt the security of countries in the Region or divert resources and services from the citizens of respective countries.

Heads of Government highlighted the fact that the proposed MOUs were intended to provide for the transit of individuals without criminal antecedents to their home countries rather than settlement in Member States and emphasized the need for citizens of the region to understand the distinction. They further agreed that every effort should be made to engage CARICOM citizens on these issues. They also affirmed their commitment to the principles of safe, orderly and regular migration, and to the dignity of migrants.

Heads of Government noted the longstanding cooperation and close partnership with the United States of America and acknowledged the importance attached to the proposed MOUs by the United States of America. They noted that some CARICOM countries had already signed, while others were in discussions with the government of the United States of America. They also noted that 30 countries globally had already signed TCN MOUs.

West Indies Women won the toss and will bowl against Ireland Women in the first One Day International here on Friday.

TEAMS:

WEST INDIES: Playing XI: Hayley Matthews (c), Realeanna Grimmond, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Jannillea Glasgow, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Shawnisha Hector, Karishma Ramharack.

IRELAND: Playing XI: Gaby Lewis (c), Amy Hunter, Orla Prendergast, Sarah Forbes, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Cara Murray, Jane Maguire, Georgina Dempsey.

Umpires: Claire Polosak, Roly Black

TV Umpire: Gareth Morrison

Reserve Umpire: Jareth McCready

Match Referee: Phillip Thompson