Category: CANA News

Trinidad and Tobago has joined the Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance.

Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, presented Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar with the certificate of membership on Wednesday, following a ceremony on the sidelines of the 51st CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Saint Lucia.

Ali said the Global Biodiversity Alliance was established following a commitment Guyana made at the United Nations General Assembly to create a platform bringing together world leaders, experts, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders and local communities to strengthen biodiversity conservation and restoration efforts.

‘I was pleased to officially welcome Trinidad and Tobago as the 125th member of the Global Biodiversity Alliance,’ Ali said.

‘The establishment of the Global Biodiversity Alliance is a commitment that Guyana made at the United Nations General Assembly to create a platform that brings together world leaders, experts, Indigenous Peoples, stakeholders and local communities to strengthen global efforts to conserve and restore biodiversity.’

Persad-Bissessar said her government looked forward to participating in the work of the alliance.

‘Thank you very much, Mr President. I wanted to join this very important initiative because I am sure we can accomplish a great deal together. We have important issues to address, and by working together and sharing our intellect, we can address them. This is a very important initiative, and I thank you for bringing us on board. I look forward to working together,’ she said.

A Trinidad and Tobago student has been selected to participate in a prestigious United States science programme aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The UnitedThe United States Embassy in Port of Spain, in collaboration with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), announced that Khavir Manbode of Presentation College Chaguanas has been chosen to attend the 2026 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) in West Virginia from July 11 to August 1.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by the National Youth Science Academy, the three-week residential programme brings together outstanding high school students for advanced learning experiences in science , technology, engineering and mathematics.

Organisers said participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading STEM professionals, explore emerging scientific fields and take part in hands-on learning activities designed to encourage innovation, leadership and academic achievement.

Manbode, a lower 6th Lower Six student and National Youth Ambassador, has earned recognition for his accomplishments in STEM education and youth leadership.

He is actively involved in several school organisations, including the Interact Club, Debate Society and Environmental Club. In 2025, he served as valedictorian of his Form Five graduating class and has also achieved distinctions in the International Mathematics Olympiad.

The U.S. Embassy said the programme reflects the United States’ continued commitment to supporting young innovators and creating opportunities that promote scientific excellence, leadership development and international collaboration.

The National Youth Science Camp has provided thousands of students from across the world with opportunities to expand their knowledge, build professional networks and develop skills that prepare them for future careers in science and technology.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders ended their 51st annual summit here on Wednesday saying that the decisions taken during the four day event ‘reaffirm that CARICOM remain united in purpose and determined in action.

‘Together we will continue building a Caribbean that is more resilient, more prosperous, more connected and better prepared for the future generations,’ St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre told the closing news conference.

Pierre, who is also the chairman of the 15-member regional integration grouping, said the discussions over the past four days had been ‘guided by one central objective (and that is) ensuring that CARICOM delivers results that people can see and feel in their every day lives.

‘The true success of CARICOM will not be the number of decisions we make, but whether our people see and feel the difference those decision’s make in their every day lives,’ Pierre said.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have reaffirmed their ‘unwavering solidarity’ with Haiti expressing support for the French-speaking member state in its efforts to restore security, strengthen democratic institutions, and return to constitutional governance.

A statement issued following the CARICOM 51st annual summit here, noted that the leaders welcomed the efforts undertaken by the Haitian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister 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,’ the statement said, underscoring 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’.

The leaders 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), recognising that Haiti’s security is inseparable from the security and stability of the wider Caribbean.’

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

According to the United Nations, thousands of people have been killed in Haiti ever since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise on July 7, 2021, by a team of armed mercenaries plunging the country into severe political and gang-related turmoil.

CARICOM said that it is encouraging ‘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,’ the statement added.

Seven members of Kollision Band have been charged after police alleged they performed during the funeral procession of the band’s late lead singer, Jermaine ‘Chubby’ Clarke, without obtaining the required license.

Earlier this week, the police said that Erickson Williams Jr., Jason Kyte, Travis James, Terrance Richards, Jahvian Barrett, Vern Pemberton, and Travis Thompson were arrested and formally charged on warrants on Wednesday.

The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) said the charges relate to an incident on May 20, when the group allegedly played noisy instruments on public roads during Clarke’s funeral procession without the necessary license.

The procession, which attracted significant public attention, featured a live musical tribute by Clarke’s fellow band members as mourners escorted the late entertainer to his final resting place.

In a statement, the police force said while it respects the cultural importance of music and public expressions of remembrance, the public is reminded that events involving amplified music, noisy instruments, public gatherings, and road use must comply with legal requirements.

However, there has been widespread condemnation of the police for seeking to convict the band members for celebrating the life of a former member.

In response, the police said the licensing process is designed to facilitate traffic management, maintain public safety, and minimise disruption, adding that the regulations are intended to support, not suppress, cultural traditions.

The RSCNPF said it remains committed to enforcing the law fairly while balancing public safety with the preservation of lawful cultural practices.

The seven accused are expected to answer the charges before the court in due course.

Former Trinidad and Tobago international Stern John has officially resigned as Head Coach of the Saint Lucia Senior Men’s National Team, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-year tenure at the helm.

The Saint Lucia Football Association confirmed the resignation on Tuesday, with John releasing an emotional statement expressing gratitude for his time with the national programme. ‘After three and a half unforgettable years, I have made the difficult decision to step down,’ John said. ‘Saint Lucia has become much more than a place where I coached football. It is a country that welcomed me, challenged me, and gave me the privilege of working with an incredible group of players, staff, administrators, and supporters who share a genuine passion for the game.’

The former MLS and Premier League striker took charge of the national team in 2022 with a clear vision, which was to build a culture founded on discipline, professionalism, belief, and long-term development.

During his tenure, John oversaw important victories, integrated new talent into the national programme, and worked to improve the team’s competitiveness on the regional stage.

‘I leave with pride in the progress made and with confidence that the foundation now in place can support continued growth in the years ahead,’ he stated.

John reserved special praise for his players, many of whom he watched develop both as footballers and as young men throughout his tenure.

‘Watching many of you grow as footballers, and more importantly as young men, has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey,’ he said. ‘Continue believing in yourselves, continue demanding excellence from one another, and never lose sight of what is possible for Saint Lucian football. The future belongs to you.’

The former Columbus Crew and Birmingham City forward also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Saint Lucian faithful, describing their passion as a constant source of motivation.

‘Whether you supported us from the stands, followed us from afar, celebrated our victories, or challenged us to be better after difficult moments, your passion never went unnoticed. Football belongs to the people, and your belief in the team has always been a source of motivation.’

John extended thanks to SLFA President Lyndon Cooper, the Executive Committee, and his backroom staff, while confirming his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for the national programme.

‘Although my chapter as Head Coach has come to an end, my respect and affection for Saint Lucia will not,’ he concluded. ‘I will always remain a supporter of Saint Lucia football, and I look forward to watching the players and the country achieve even greater success.’

The search for John’s successor is now expected to begin, with the SLFA yet to announce an interim appointment or timeline for the recruitment process.

Match Referee Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel imposed the sanction after the home side was found to be two overs short of the required target, even after time allowances were taken into consideration.

As a result, the West Indies players have been fined 10 per cent of their match fee. According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are docked five per cent of their fee for every over their team fails to bowl within the allotted time, with the maximum penalty capped at 50 per cent.

More critically, the side has also been penalised under Article 16.11.2 of the WTC playing conditions, which deducts one championship point for each over short. Consequently, two points have been subtracted from the West Indies’ WTC points tally.

Captain Roston Chase accepted the proposed sanction after pleading guilty to the offence, meaning the matter was resolved without the need for a formal hearing.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Ahsan Raza, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Deighton Buttler.

The historic Stabroek Market is set to undergo restoration and expansion, while another market – the Bourda Market, will be completely rebuilt as part of ongoing efforts to transform the capital. ‘Before the next five years the Stabroek market is going to be restored and extended, and the Bourda market is going to be rebuilt completely,’ said according to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand.

She however noted that restoring a historic structure like the Stabroek Market requires careful planning, particularly given the age of the building and the need to accommodate vendors.

‘If you want to see a plan for that you can’t see it now because we are still in the process of getting the details of what restoration looks like when you are talking about something built a hundred years ago and then how do you accommodate the people who can no longer fit in this restored building by an extension that does not take away from the aesthetics from it,’ Manickchand explained.

She added that the process will take time but work is already underway behind the scenes.

The market, which was built both on land and land reclaimed from the Demerara River, was completed and declared opened on November 1, 1881.

Manickchand also revealed that the plans are aimed at transforming Georgetown.

‘The transformation of Georgetown includes the restoration of buildings that we have, how we can organise the city in a way so that transportation is orderly and that the usage of the roads is orderly, how we can maintain our green spaces so that we don’t give up that part of our heritage, how we could preserve our arts and our history, now that’s very detailed work,’ she said.

According to Manickchand, finalising the plans will require time and careful consideration, noting that the vision is broader than constructing modern buildings.

‘We are not looking to only build out the glass buildings and the high rises, we are looking to restore,’ she noted.

The Ministry of Labour has issued a warning to the public against a fraudulent overseas recruitment scheme being advertised on social media.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said a flyer currently circulating online, promoting a mass recruitment drive in the central parish of St. Catherine for farm work opportunity in Canada, has not been authorised by the ministry.

The ministry reminded the public that it is the only entity in Jamaica legally authorised to recruit and dispatch Jamaican farm workers for overseas employment.

Based on this, it is urging prospective job seekers to exercise extreme caution when responding to advertisements or recruitment exercises promoting overseas farm work opportunities.

The Labour Ministry also encouraged members of the public to verify the legitimacy of any overseas or local employment opportunity before paying any fees, submitting personal information or accepting an offer of employment.

It warned that failing to carry out the necessary due diligence could expose individuals to fraud, identity theft and financial loss.

The ministry has advised job seekers to visit its official website, where the lists of licensed employment agencies authorised to facilitate overseas and local job placements are available.

The ministry is also urging members of the public to report suspicious job advertisements or verify the legitimacy of employment opportunities by contacting the ministry .

– The Alpart Bauxite refinery in the southern parish of St Elizabeth could be open for business by June 2027.

This was disclosed by Mining Minister Floyd Green in Parliament earlier this week. He said the refinery’s Chinese owners, Chinese state industrial group, Jiuquan Iron and Steel (Group) Co. Ltd. (JISCO) have invested US$490 million that will be used to upgrade and modernise the plant which has been closed since 2019. This represents phase one of a two-phase plan to get the plant up and running.

‘Phase one will focus on returning the facility to operation using newer, cleaner and more efficient technologies,’ said Green.

The investment will also include the modernisation of major operational systems, upgrading of plant infrastructure, redevelopment of power generation facilities, implementation of dry-stacking technology for residue management and rehabilitation of critical rail and port infrastructure.

The mining minister said JISCO has committed to making every effort to satisfy the necessary preconditions to allow construction activities to commence before the end of this year, with the objective of an official launch before June 2027.

‘The global alumina industry has changed and the future of Alpart requires an operation that is more efficient, sustainable and positioned to compete internationally.

‘That is why the modernisation plan includes the introduction of advanced technologies and a five-megawatt photovoltaic and energy-storage hybrid system, positioning Alpart as a green, low-carbon demonstration project,’ Green said.

He added that the plan also includes the rehabilitation of the hurricane-damaged Port Kaiser. Port Kaiser is one of the island’s leading deep-water piers for bauxite export.